The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has revoked the trademark “Turkmen,” initially registered by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency in 2021 as a tourism slogan.
The decision came following an objection from Greece, which argued that the term misrepresented the identity of the Aegean region.
The decision reflects the broader cultural and geopolitical sensitivities between Türkiye and Greece concerning the Aegean region. While Greece celebrated the ruling as a diplomatic success, Türkiye views it as part of an ongoing pattern of disputes over shared regional and historical identities.
The "Turkaegean" trademark case underscores the cultural sensitivities and competing narratives between Türkiye and Greece regarding the Aegean region. The dispute touches on deeper historical issues, including territorial claims, maritime boundaries, and regional identity.
Greece’s opposition to the trademark aligns with its broader efforts to counter Türkiye’s claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek officials have reportedly extended their lobbying efforts to block the use of “Turkaegean” in other jurisdictions, including the United States.
This ruling is part of a larger pattern of tensions between Türkiye and Greece, which frequently disagree over issues such as:
The EUIPO’s decision also highlights the increasing importance of intellectual property in shaping international perceptions and branding strategies, especially in geopolitically sensitive areas.