# Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration? > Who can file a trademark application? The right to apply and the requirements for individuals, companies, associations and foreign applicants. - Canonical: https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/who-can-apply-for-trademark-registration - Language: en - Last updated: 2026-08-08 - Publisher: Webx Marka Patent ve Fikri Sınai Haklar Danışmanlık A.Ş. (https://www.webx.net.tr/) _Machine-readable copy of the page above. The canonical HTML page is authoritative; fees and regulations may change — check the last-updated date._ --- Trademark registration is open to a far wider group than most people assume. It isn't just large companies — individuals, small businesses and institutions can all file a trademark application. This article explains who can apply for trademark registration. ## Natural Persons (Individuals) Any natural person can apply for a trademark in their own name, even without owning a company. This is a practical way for entrepreneurs to protect an idea at an early stage. See [Registering a Trademark Without a Company](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/registering-a-trademark-without-a-company) for detail. ## Legal Entities (Companies) Limited companies, joint stock companies and other company types can apply as legal entities, which makes the mark an asset of the company. For company applications, see our article [Trademark Registration for Limited Companies](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/trademark-registration-for-limited-companies). ## Associations, Foundations and Other Institutions Associations, foundations, cooperatives and similar legal entities can also register trademarks in their own name. In addition, more than one person or institution can be **joint** applicants on a single mark. ## Foreign Individuals and Entities Foreign natural and legal persons not resident in Turkey can also file trademark applications under the relevant legislation. These applications are generally handled through a trademark attorney. ## What They All Have in Common: A Distinctive Sign Whoever the applicant is, the essence of registration is the same: a distinctive sign with no obstacles to registration, filed in the right classes. A [trademark search](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/how-to-do-a-trademark-search) before filing matters for everyone. ## The Right Filing Structure with Webx Whether you are an individual or an institution, Webx determines the applicant structure that best fits you and manages the process. [Get a free assessment](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/iletisim). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need to own a company to register a trademark? No. Natural persons can apply for a trademark in their own name without owning a company. ### Can an association or foundation register a trademark? Yes. Legal entities such as associations, foundations and cooperatives can also register trademarks in their own name. ### Can more than one person apply for a single trademark? Yes. Multiple natural or legal persons can be joint applicants on a single mark. ### Can foreigners register a trademark in Turkey? Yes. Foreign individuals and entities not resident in Turkey can also apply, generally through a trademark attorney. ## Related Resources - [Trademark Registration](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/hizmetler/marka-tescil): Explains how a trademark application is handled before TÜRKPATENT, from the preliminary search and class selection to the registration certificate. - [Money-Back Guaranteed Trademark Registration](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/hizmetler/iade-garantili-marka-tescil): Describes the trademark registration package with a refund if registration is not obtained, including its coverage, exclusions and refund process. - [Patentability Search vs. Freedom-to-Operate Analysis: What Is the Difference?](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/patentability-search-vs-freedom-to-operate): Why are an FTO analysis and a patentability search separate? Differences in question, scope, country and status, free databases and your options after FTO. - [Disclosing an Invention Before Filing a Patent: Trade Fairs, Presentations and Investors](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/disclosing-an-invention-before-filing-a-patent): Disclosing an invention at a trade fair, in a paper or to investors before filing: Turkey's 12-month grace period, Europe and the US, a safe-sharing protocol. - [How to Plan Trademark and Design Protection for Product Packaging Together](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/protecting-packaging-with-trademarks-and-designs): How to protect packaging design: trademarks for name and logo, designs for bottle and label, copyright for artwork, unfair competition for the whole, and timing - [What Are the Risks of Sharing a Product Online Before Design Registration?](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/sharing-a-design-online-before-registration): Shared product images before filing a design? How novelty is judged worldwide, the limits of the 12-month grace period, EU and US rules and your first steps. - [How to Register a Design in Turkey: Novelty Requirement and Filing Steps](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/how-to-register-a-design-in-turkey): How to register a design in Turkey: novelty and individual character, preparing views, EPATS filing, examination, the 3-month opposition period and 2026 fees. - [How to Protect a Business Idea: Trademark, Patent, Copyright and NDA](https://www.webx.net.tr/en/blog/how-to-protect-a-business-idea): How to protect a business idea: an abstract idea is not protected, its form is. A tool, term and cost table for 7 idea types, from names to trade secrets.