The EU’s Intellectual Property Office, EUIPO, has canceled a “TurkAegean” trademark that had been registered by the Turkish Tourism Organization for use within the EU as of December 16, 2021.

The decision marks a significant victory, coming early in 2025, for Greece at both economic and diplomatic levels.

Over the past two years, Greece has compiled a detailed dossier to argue that the “TurkAegean” trademark reflects geopolitical ambitions.

Based on the EUIPO’s decision, reached on Thursday, the contested trademark has been cancelled for six specific uses – advertising, media, transport services, education, hotels and restaurants, and legal services – for which it was registered by the Turkish tourism organisation.

Turkish authorities now have two months to appeal the EUIPO decision and four months to provide written reasons for the appeal.

Commenting on the decision, Greece’s Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos noted: “Greece, under the leadership of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stands strong on the international stage, defending its national interests with determination and effectiveness, including in the commercial sphere. We are asserting our rights with full force and through all legal means.” 

The EUIPO decision comes just hours after Kathimerini disclosed that the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the USPTO, requested further clarifications from Turkey regarding its choice of the term “TurkAegean” to promote local tourism.

Turkey has allegedly been given a 20-day deadline to provide the requested clarifications.

Source: Ekathimerini.com