Insights

The Draft Law on the Protection of Trade Secrets, opened for public consultation by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, provides comprehensive regulations regarding the definition, protection, unlawful acquisition, use, and disclosure of trade secrets. Aiming to align with European Union standards, the Draft sets out a clear and holistic framework on exceptions, interim injunctions, confidentiality during judicial proceedings, sanctions, jurisdiction and venue, and limitation periods. Opinions and recommendations regarding the Draft must be submitted to the Ministry by 15 May 2026.

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ticaret Bakanlığı tarafından görüşe açılan Ticari Sırların Korunması Hakkında Kanun Taslağı, ticari sırların tanımı, korunması, hukuka aykırı elde edilmesi, kullanılması ve ifşasına ilişkin kapsamlı düzenlemeler öngörmektedir. Avrupa Birliği standartlarıyla uyum hedefleyen Taslak; istisnalar, ihtiyati tedbirler, yargılama sürecinde gizlilik, yaptırımlar, görev-yetki ve zamanaşımı konularında açık ve bütüncül bir çerçeve sunmaktadır. Taslak hakkındaki görüş ve önerilerin 15 Mayıs 2026’ya kadar Bakanlığa iletilmesi gerekmektedir.

Strategic compliance steps to be taken by foreign investors in the event of a trustee appointment to their business partners or shareholders in Türkiye lie at the heart of legal risk management. This process, which encompasses various measures ranging from the legal framework of commercial relationships established through contracts with Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (“SDIF”,”TMSF”) -managed companies to risk-mitigation instruments such as the 'Letter of Comfort,' highlights the importance of maintaining operational continuity during times of crisis.

The Cyber Security Law No. 7545, which came into force on March 19, 2025, aims to prevent cyber threats, determine national strategies, and establish the Cyber Security Board for all public and private individuals and institutions operating in cyberspace in Turkey. The law sets out obligations for authorities to adopt cybersecurity measures, report notifications, use authorized products and be open to audits, while also imposing heavy prison sentences and high administrative fines in the event of violations. The law, which grants broad powers to the Cyber Security Presidency, also regulates the protection of personal data. A one-year compliance period has been granted, and individuals and institutions that fail to fulfill their obligations by the end of this period may face a ban on their activities.

Under Turkish law, a joint-stock company’s liquidation follows its termination and ends with its deregistration. If the process is found incomplete—due to overlooked assets or ongoing disputes—supplementary liquidation allows temporary reinstatement of the company’s legal personality to finalize unresolved matters.

Foreign investors in Türkiye must ensure at least one board member holds unlimited representation authority, duly registered with the trade registry. Without it, companies risk legal incapacity, tax penalties, and even dissolution. Strategic compliance with Turkish governance rules is key to business continuity and legal certainty.

A joint stock company in Türkiye allows full foreign ownership and limits shareholder liability to capital contributions. With a minimum capital of TRY 250,000, it gains legal status upon registration. Companies must meet tax, audit, and compliance obligations. This structure offers a secure, flexible option for foreign investors.

Bu makalemizde, Rekabet Kurumu’nun yerinde incelemelerinde nasıl hareket edilmesi gerektiğini ele alıyoruz. Hazırlık süreci, çalışan eğitimleri ve belge yönetimine odaklanarak, veri silme, hatalı belge paylaşımı gibi risklerden kaçınmamız gerektiğini vurguluyor; hukuki destekle uyumun nasıl sağlanabileceğini açıklıyoruz.

Rekabet Kurumu'nun, İş Gücü Piyasalarındaki Rekabet İhlallerine Yönelik Kılavuz'unda işverenler arasında çalışan ücretleri ve çalışma koşullarının belirlenmesine yönelik anlaşma ve eylemlerin rekabet ihlali teşkil ettiği ortaya konmaktadır. Kılavuz, özellikle bilgi değişimlerinin hangi koşullarda rekabeti sınırlayıcı olmayacağını detaylandırmakta ve çalışan ayartmama ile ücret tespitine yönelik anlaşmaların amaç bakımından ihlal sayılacağını belirtmektedir. Ayrıca, iş gücü piyasalarında hâkim durumun kötüye kullanılmasına ilişkin değerlendirmelerin, olayın tüm koşulları dikkate alınarak yapılacağı vurgulanmaktadır.

This article outlines key guidelines for undertakings to effectively manage on-site inspections by the Turkish Competition Authority under Law No. 4054. It emphasizes the importance of legal preparedness, internal training, cooperation with inspectors, confidentiality, and document tracking. It also highlights critical mistakes to avoid, such as deleting data, sharing unrequested documents, misusing confidentiality, ignoring instructions, or leaving inspectors unattended. Proper preparation and legal support are essential to reduce risks and ensure compliance.

Foreign entities processing personal data of individuals in Türkiye must register with VERBİS under Law No. 6698 (PDPL) and appoint a local representative. The registry requires disclosure of data types, processing purposes, legal bases, transfers, and safeguards. Non-compliance may result in fines exceeding TRY 13 million. VERBİS ensures transparency and is mandatory regardless of physical presence in Türkiye.

Ticari sırların yetkisiz ifşası, yalnızca sözleşmeye aykırılık değil, aynı zamanda TTK kapsamında haksız rekabet fiili sayılmaktadır. Yargıtay, ekonomik değer taşıyan ve gizliliği korunan bilgileri ticari sır olarak tanımlar. TTK ve HMK hükümleri doğrultusunda haksız rekabetin önlenmesi için men, ref, tespit ve tazminat davaları ile ihtiyati tedbirler mümkündür. Ayrıca TCK m. 239 uyarınca cezai yaptırım öngörülmüştür. Çalışanların gizlilik ve sadakat borcuna aykırı eylemleri hem iş hem ticaret hukuku yönünden değerlendirilmekte; rekabet yasağının geçerli olabilmesi için yer, süre ve konu bakımından sınırlı olması gerekmektedir. Ticari sır ihlali hem bireysel hem de piyasa düzenini bozan çok yönlü bir haksız rekabet türüdür.

Clawback provisions are contractual mechanisms that enable employers to reclaim incentive-based payments under specific conditions such as underperformance, misconduct, or premature resignation. While widely recognized and enforceable in jurisdictions like the U.S. and various EU countries, Turkish Labour Law does not explicitly regulate clawback clauses. Their applicability remains controversial, particularly regarding basic wages, which cannot be reclaimed once earned through labor. However, limited application is possible through bonus arrangements and analogies with penal clauses under the Turkish Code of Obligations, provided they comply with mutuality, fairness, and proportionality as interpreted by the Court of Cassation.

In 2025, Türkiye updated its labour laws, raising the minimum wage to 26,005.50 TRY and severance pay to 46,655.43 TRY. Administrative fines were also increased, covering violations such as underpayment, improper contracts, and failure to comply with working conditions and labour regulations. These updates are critical for employers.

In line with the 2025 revaluation rate, administrative fines under the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331 have been updated. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has published the revised fines, which vary based on the number of employees (less than 10, 10–49, over 50) and the workplace’s hazard class (less hazardous, hazardous, very hazardous). A summary table of the base fine amounts is provided for reference.

Portfolio compensation under Turkish Commercial Code Article 122 provides fair indemnity to distributors and franchisees who build customer goodwill that continues to benefit the supplier or franchisor after contract termination. Though originally for agency contracts, it applies to long-term, exclusive agreements if certain conditions are met—such as loss of profit and ongoing benefit to the principal. It cannot be waived in advance and must be claimed within one year. While EU law doesn’t explicitly extend this to franchises or distributorships, similar rights are recognized in some countries through case law. Legal guidance is key due to financial risks and legal complexity.