An effective counterfeit matter for a rights holder goes beyond removing one listing. Once rights and authority are verified, physical retail, warehouse and distribution findings are combined with marketplace, social-media and domain records in one evidence plan. Customs, interim relief, civil and criminal routes are then sequenced where their legal conditions are met.
First question: which right is being infringed?
Unauthorised use on goods or packaging of an identical sign, or one indistinguishable from a registered trade mark, may fall within the counterfeit analysis. Trade-mark, design, copyright, patent and unfair-competition claims can arise from the same conduct but have different requirements. Start by confirming the owner, scope, goods, licences and authority to act.
How are findings across Türkiye managed in one plan?
Shops, warehouses, distributors, shipment points and online sellers in different provinces can be recorded in a common chronology. Address, date, seller identity, linked companies or accounts and the source of each item of evidence remain separate. Work with the competent authority, customs office, expert or instructed local professional is defined in writing where needed. Coordination does not mean every step will occur on the same day or before the same authority.
Digital enforcement: marketplaces, social media, ads and domains
Counterfeits may be offered through marketplace listings, sponsored social-media ads, messaging accounts or impersonating domains. Preserve the full URL, handle, product code, seller information, dated record and payment destination. A platform report can be an interim tool, but account removal does not itself eliminate stock, suppliers or payment links. Human review should verify alleged connections between repeat accounts and sellers.
Evidence preservation and controlled purchases
Low price or a similar image alone does not prove that a product is counterfeit. Compare authentic-product features, serial or lot information, packaging, invoice, sales channel and expert findings where needed. If a controlled purchase is considered, plan payment, delivery, opening and custody of the item in advance. Avoid unauthorised account access, unlawful acquisition of confidential data and personal surveillance.
Customs IP protection in Türkiye
A rights holder or representative may request customs protection through the Ministry of Trade’s electronic system. Accepted application data is made available to customs offices. Detention or suspension of suspected goods can trigger short periods for court proceedings and interim measures after notification. Registration, authority, authentic-product information and counterfeit indicators are core parts of the application.
Interim relief, civil and criminal routes
Under Turkish industrial-property law, prevention or cessation of infringement, preservation of evidence and, where applicable, damages may be assessed. Criminal aspects of trade-mark infringement require a valid Turkish registration and examination of complaint, conduct and evidence requirements. Only a competent authority can order search, seizure, recall, destruction or interim measures; a platform decision is separate.
Why follow-up matters after an enforcement step
Action at one sales point may not reveal the whole supply chain. Seized goods and records, invoices, payment links, shipments, replacement accounts and new domains can be followed lawfully. A person or network should not be treated as connected to an earlier case until the new evidence is verified.
Rights-holder preparation checklist
Collect registration and renewal records; powers and corporate authority; authentic-product catalogues and identifiers; authorised-seller lists; suspected-product images and links; dated orders, invoices, shipping and payment records; and prior platform or customs applications. Share personal data and trade secrets only to the extent required for the task.
Working with international rights holders
For a foreign rights holder, we first check the Turkish registration or other protection basis, corporate and signature authority, power of attorney, translation and apostille needs. Digital and physical findings can be converted into a Turkish evidence chronology, while steps in different parts of Türkiye are coordinated according to the matter. A foreign registration alone does not establish every claim in Türkiye.
Relevant legislation and official sources
General information on Turkish law. Every intervention depends on the competent authority, evidence, jurisdiction, procedure and current law; no raid or outcome is guaranteed.
Content is for general information and is not personal legal advice. Contact alone does not establish a lawyer-client relationship.
Related practice areasIntellectual Property