Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners is an IP law firm operating in Turkmenistan, advising clients from innovative startups to multinational corporations. Since its establishment in 1992, the firm has accumulated over 30 years of experience in IP law. This expertise enables us to deliver seamless cross-border IP solutions and positions the firm as a trusted international law firm in Turkmenistan.
Leveraging a reliable network of local patent and trademark attorneys, we offer comprehensive IP services in Turkmenistan, including patent and trademark prosecution, registration, licensing, and enforcement. As a long-standing patent and trademark law firm, we ensure that all services comply with Turkmen legislation as well as international IP standards.
Turkmen IP: Key Highlights
Turkmenistan is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1991 and a party to key international IP treaties, including the Paris Convention, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid Protocol, the Hague Agreement, the Berne Convention (since 2016), the Locarno Agreement, the Nice Agreement, and the Strasbourg Agreement, providing a framework for IP protection.
- Eurasian and International Alignment: Turkmenistan collaborates with the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO), hosts its meetings, and plans accession to the Protocol on Industrial Designs to the Eurasian Patent Convention, enhancing regional protection.
- Specialized IP Institutions: The State Service for Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Finance and Economy is responsible for the examination and registration of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, while copyright matters are handled by dedicated state bodies, with enforcement through courts.
- Digital IP Services: Introduction of electronic filing systems and online databases is progressing, improving accessibility amid institutional reforms.
Years of presence
Active in Turkmenistan since 2005
Patents
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Turkmen IP office
Trademarks
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Turkmen IP office
New clients
Consistent growth of our client portfolio year by year
Our services in Turkmenistan
Our services in Turkmenistan cover the full spectrum of intellectual property matters for both local and international clients. We provide legal support for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, computer programs, and the registration and protection of new varieties of plants, assisting clients throughout the entire lifecycle of IP protection, management, and enforcement. Discover how we help safeguard and enhance the commercial value of intellectual property in Turkmenistan.
In-House Patent Attorneys: Turkmenistan
Intellectual property matters in Turkmenistan are managed by our network of experienced IP attorneys, who provide legally sound guidance in full compliance with Turkmen legislation and international IP standards. Combining deep expertise in local IP protection with extensive experience in international filings including under the Patent Cooperation Treaty and Madrid System, we ensure effective safeguarding, management, and enforcement of clients' intellectual property rights.
Turkmenistan IP news update
International Recognition of Our Expertise in Intellectual Property
Our firm is consistently recognized for excellence in intellectual property, receiving accolades from respected global publications and annual rankings such as WTR 1000, Legal 500, and IAM Patent 1000. These honours reflect our ongoing dedication, professional expertise, and the trust clients place in us for high-quality IP services across multiple jurisdictions.
WTR 1000 – Trademark Professionals 2025
Patent Law Magazine – In the top 10 IP Law Firms
Legal 500 – EMEA 2024 Intellectual property tier 1
The Lawyers Global – 2024 Recommended & Awarded Law Firms in Central Asia and Eastern Europe
Frequently asked questions
-
What types of intellectual property can be protected in Turkmenistan?Turkmenistan provides protection for a range of IP rights, including patents (inventions), industrial designs, trademarks and service marks, geographical indications, copyright and related rights. The legal framework is based on national legislation and aligned with international standards.
-
Do foreign applicants need a local patent attorney to file IP in Turkmenistan?Yes. Foreign applicants without a residence or registered business in Turkmenistan must appoint a local patent attorney to file and prosecute IP applications and to receive official communications from the competent IP authority.
-
Is it possible to enter the national phase of a PCT application in Turkmenistan?Yes. As a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, Turkmenistan allows entry into the national phase within 31 months from the priority date, subject to local requirements, including translations and appointment of a local representative.
-
How long does it take to register a trademark or patent in Turkmenistan?Trademark registration takes 12–18 months. Patent registration typically requires 1–6 years, including examination, depending on the type of patent chosen.
-
What are the official fees for IP registration in Turkmenistan?Official fees depend on the type of IP, number of classes (for trademarks), and procedural stages. Fee schedules are established by national regulations. For a detailed calculation of the registration costs for your specific intellectual property, please contact our specialists.
-
How does IP border protection work in Turkmenistan?Rights holders may seek protection through customs mechanisms, allowing authorities to suspend the release of goods suspected of infringing IP rights. Further enforcement actions can then be initiated by the rights holder.
-
Can IP rights be assigned or licensed under Turkmen law?Yes. IP rights in Turkmenistan may be assigned or licensed under written agreements in accordance with national legislation. Recordal with the IP authority is recommended to ensure enforceability against third parties.
-
Is it mandatory to use a registered trademark in Turkmenistan?No immediate use requirement applies. However, a trademark may be subject to cancellation if it has not been used continuously for three years after registration, upon request of an interested party.
Ua
中文
De
Fr
Es
Pl