Context: Türkiye has not historically been among the major global patent or SEP jurisdictions, with comparatively limited international filing and patent licensing activity. Much of the country’s patent ecosystem is still in a portfolio-building phase, as companies develop technologies, strengthen their patent positions, and increasingly look for ways to turn those portfolios into commercial assets. Licensing revenues have yet to reach the levels seen in more established patent markets such as Germany, the UK, or the U.S.
What’s new: Domestic patent applications in Türkiye rose 31% year on year in the first half of 2026. The increase in Turkish patent filings is being driven by greater patent awareness, government support, university technology-transfer activity, and a growing use of patents by start-ups. Meanwhile, the strategies of larger Turkish companies are changing: rather than simply expanding their portfolios, they are increasingly prioritizing patents that can be commercialized, licensed, or otherwise generate strategic value, including standard-essential patents (SEPs).
Direct impact: Rising application numbers do not necessarily translate into economic value. The rise in filings reflects wider use of the patent system, but the more important change is how companies are using patents. Smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still largely focused on building portfolios, while larger companies increasingly assess patents by whether they can support licensing, commercialization, market access, or defensive strategies. Economic uncertainty and the cost of international protection are also making companies more selective about which inventions they pursue through Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or European patent filings.
Wider ramifications: The filing growth points to a broader maturation of Türkiye’s patent ecosystem, but higher application numbers alone will not be enough. Further progress will depend on stronger international filing activity, more qualified patent and licensing professionals, greater participation in standardization, and the emergence of more technology companies capable of building commercially valuable portfolios. That would allow Türkiye to move beyond rising filing volumes toward stronger licensing revenues and a more visible position in global patent markets.
To dive deeper into the Turkish patent landscape, ip fray spoke with Vestel’s Head of IP Kemal Aygör, whom ip fray interviewed earlier this year on his company’s patent strategy – including how it is gradually playing more of a patentee role in the SEP landscape (April 13, 2026 ip fray article).
Mr. Aygör discussed the role of government support, universities and start-ups, the different patent strategies of large companies and SMEs, the limits on PCT and European filings, and the growing focus on commercialization and SEPs. The full Q&A is below:
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