Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
In what is seen as a procedural yet significant development, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has requested further clarifications from Turkey regarding its choice of the term “TurkAegean” to promote local tourism, Kathimerini has learned.
The case, initiated in 2023 following an appeal by Greece, underscores potential geopolitical motivations behind Turkey’s trademark application. As is common in such cases, the process is expected to span several years.
A key aspect of this development is the implicit recognition of Greece’s right to pursue legal action in US federal courts to investigate Turkey’s underlying motives for adopting the term “TurkAegean.” Greek representatives argue that the trademark signifies broader strategic objectives.
According to sources, US authorities have directed Turkey’s Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) to clarify the purpose and reasoning behind the term’s selection. The TGA has also been instructed to submit supporting documentation to substantiate its position. Non-compliance could result in sanctions if the matter proceeds to trial.
The Greek side has successfully secured testimony from TGA representatives, with Berna Gedik, the director of marketing communications at the agency, confirmed to testify. However, a Greek request for testimony from Turkish diplomats was denied by the USPTO on jurisdictional grounds.
Turkey has allegedly been given a 20-day deadline to provide the requested clarifications.
Over the past two years, Greece has compiled a detailed dossier to argue that the “TurkAegean” trademark reflects geopolitical ambitions.
Experts anticipate that the resolution of this case may take an additional 2–3 years.
