Greece won significantly as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) officially annulled the ‘Turkaegean’ trademark. This decision follows the continuous efforts of the Greek Ministry of Development and the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) to protect Greece’s commercial and cultural interests worldwide.
The controversy began in 2021 when the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) filed for the trademark ‘Turkaegean,’ attempting to associate the Aegean region with Turkish tourism branding.
Acknowledging the potential economic and cultural impacts, Greece acted promptly. In February 2023, led by the then-Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek government officially sought to annul the trademark via OBI. The legal dispute culminated in a significant ruling by the EUIPO on January 10, 2025, affirming the trademark’s invalidity and fully validating Greece’s stance.
Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos emphasised that Greece, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, remains firm in defending its commercial interests with determination and effectiveness. OBI President Dimitris Chronis hailed the decision as a complete victory for Greece. At the same time, OBI General Director Panagiotis Kanellopoulos highlighted the structured and methodical approach that led to this positive outcome.
In a parallel development, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has also intervened, requesting that the Turkish agency provide further justifications for using the ‘Turkaegean’ term. This move signals that the U.S. recognises Greece’s right to challenge the trademark in federal courts, further strengthening the country’s legal position. The Turkish agency now has 20 days to respond.
We are proud of our legal firm’s involvement in this landmark case, which defends Greece’s commercial and intellectual property rights. This ruling marks a significant victory for Greece, serving as an essential step in protecting its national and economic interests. It reinforces the country’s dedication to preserving its cultural and historical heritage while ensuring equitable trade practices in the global market.
