In the first of two posts, Utku Süngü and Mutlu yıldırım Köse consider the impact of COVID-19 on filing trends in Turkey. A second post, to be published soon, will examine some case studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on trade mark law as on other areas of law. When considered in detail, it can be seen that trade mark law is affected in various aspects by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the clearest examples of this impact is that the number of trade mark applications related to the COVID-19 period has risen, although the number of trade mark applications in total has decreased. World-famous brands have changed their trade marks during this pandemic period, aiming to show their customers their awareness and sensitivity.

Impact on trade mark applications

During the COVID-19 period, the number of trade mark applications has declined in Turkey. The reason for this decline was the economically unstable situation for the biggest applicants for trade mark during the period rather than any technical considerations. After all, trade mark applications can be made online.

The number of trade mark applications increased respectively by 32.5% and 26.4% in January and February 2020 compared to the same months in 2019. However, according to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, the number of applications in March 2020 (when the first COVID-19 case was detected in Turkey) decreased by 3.6% compared to March 2019. The most dramatic decrease in the number of trade mark applications occurred in April when COVID-19 had more impact in Turkey. There was a decrease of 25.8% in April 2020 compared to the same month in 2019.

With the introduction of the ‘new normal’ notion and the lower impact of COVID-19 compared to April, in May the decrease in the trade mark applications was reduced. With the termination of many restrictions, it is expected that this reduction in the decrease rates will go on and that there may even be an increase in the number of applications in June compared to the same month last year.

When the latest statistics of EUIPO are observed, it can be seen that the period has been relatively stable in Europe, with neither a significant increase nor a decrease in trade mark applications during this period. As in Turkey, the highest rate of decrease occurred in March and April and there has been an increase beginning to be apparent in May.

Coming soon: part 2 of this post looks at trade mark applications related to COVID-19.

Utku Süngü and Mutlu yıldırım Köse are attorneys with Gün+Partners, a MARQUES member