Aegean Sea, between Greece and Turkey. Photo: Petru Hermes Furian / Alamy / Profimedia
The European Union has banned the “TurkAegean” brand for Turkish tourism campaigns, following a request from Greece. Athens filed a lawsuit against the use of the slogan, arguing that the “TurkAegean” brand reflects geopolitical ambitions. Territorial sovereignty in the Aegean Sea has been a controversial issue between Greece and Turkey, whose economies rely heavily on tourism, Politico.eu and News.ro.
The EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has canceled the trademark registered by the Turkish Turkish Organization for use in the EU, according to a decision announced by the Greek press.
Although both states are NATO allies, Athens and Ankara have been at odds for decades over a number of issues, such as Cyprus, maritime borders and continental shelf claims.
Territorial sovereignty in the Aegean Sea has been a matter of dispute between the two neighboring countries, whose summer economies rely heavily on tourism.
The “TurkAegean” brand, initially registered by the EU Intellectual Property Office in December 2021, sparked a backlash from top Greek politicians the following summer after Turkey launched the tourism campaign. “Coast of Turkish Happiness”.
The US is also seeking clarification from Turkey
Greece has filed a lawsuit against the use of the slogan, claiming that the “TurkAegean” brand reflects geopolitical ambitions.
“We will assert our rights with full force and by all legal means,” Greek Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos said on Friday evening.
The Turkish authorities now have two months to appeal the EUIPO’s decision and four months to submit written reasons for the appeal.
Meanwhile, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked Turkey for further clarification on the choice of the term “TurkAegean”, according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Turkey would have received a deadline of 20 days to provide the American agency with the requested clarifications.
Experts anticipate that the resolution of this case may take another 2-3 years.
