New provisions for protection of designs came into effect on November 1, 1995, to supplement the general unfair competition provisions of the Turkish Code of Commerce.

Under the new law, designs of distinctive character may be protected for a maximum duration of 25 years. The definition of what is protectible specifically includes typographic type faces and specifically excludes computer chip topographies and computer programs. Novelty is to be assessed on a world-wide basis. In addition to drawings or photographs showing the design, a written description will also be necessary.

Examination of applications for design protection will be subject only to formal examination but registered designs will be subject to the possibility of opposition after registration for a period of six months after publication of the registration. If desired, however, publication of the design may be delayed up to thirty months from the filing date.