Foreign tech startups and software developers establishing operations in Turkey must protect their source codes, software interfaces, and algorithms. Turkish Intellectual Property Law aligns with EU regulations.


1. Software Copyright

Under Law No. 5846 on Intellectual and Artistic Works, software source code is protected as a "literary work" from the moment of creation. Filing a registration at the Ministry of Culture provides solid proof of ownership date.


2. Patenting Software

While software code itself is not patentable, software-implemented inventions (e.g., algorithms controlling a physical machine or industrial process) can be patented under the Industrial Property Code (No. 6769).



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is Software Protected Under Turkish Law?

  1. Copyright: Source code is protected automatically as a literary work.
  2. Patents: Tech innovations controlling industrial processes are patentable.
  3. Escrow: Use software escrow contracts when licensing code to local entities.