Domain Name Disputes in Türkiye: Recovering “.tr” Domains
Date Published
Owning a domain creates no trademark right, and a registration does not automatically hand you the domain. The two systems run independently — but a trademark is the strongest basis you can bring to a domain dispute.
“.tr” domains
Turkish country-code domains are administered through TRABİS, with disputes resolved by arbitrators appointed by accredited dispute resolution service providers rather than by the courts. A complaint freezes the domain, the holder is given an opportunity to respond, and the panel may order cancellation or transfer.
What a complainant must show
- The domain is identical or confusingly similar to the complainant’s mark or trade name.
- The holder has no right or legitimate interest in it.
- The domain was registered or is being used in bad faith.
Bad faith is usually evidenced by holding the domain for resale at an inflated price, redirecting to competing products, blocking the right holder, or using the site in a way that damages the brand.
Generic domains
Disputes over “.com” and similar extensions run under ICANN’s uniform policy before providers such as WIPO, on materially similar criteria — far faster and cheaper than litigating country by country.
When court is still needed
These procedures transfer or cancel domains; they do not award damages. Where counterfeits are being sold or losses are substantial, civil proceedings and a criminal complaint can run in parallel.
See our article on infringement remedies, or contact us about a disputed domain.
General information only, not legal advice.