Greece successfully prevented the registration of the "Turkaegean" trademark, thwarting Turkey's attempt to establish the brand within the EU.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) cancelled the trademark application, originally filed by Turkey's tourism promotion agency in 2021, after Greece challenged it on grounds of trademark infringement.
The Greek Ministry of Development and the Industrial Property Organization (OBI) led the charge, filing their challenge in February 2023. This victory is being lauded in Greece as a strong defense of the country's national and economic interests, according to Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos. The OBI also commended its team's dedicated work in securing the cancellation.
The "Turkaegean" trademark was viewed as a provocative move by Turkey to claim a brand identity over a disputed region, further underscoring the existing tensions between Greece and Turkey.