1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate [Kenaroglu Avukatlık Bürosu] from your competitors?

Kenaroglu Avukatlık Bürosu was established in 2008 as a specialized IP boutique and it has evolved into one of the leading IP law firms of Turkey. Our team comprises a substantial group of attorneys at law, trademark and patent attorneys, internal investigators, and a dedicated support staff. We are one of the largest teams in Turkey exclusively focusing on IP Law. At Kenaroglu, diversity and inclusion (“D&I”) are fundamental values. Founded by a female leader, we are proud to have a gender-balanced workforce with 70% female employees, including two of three partners. We foster an inclusive culture and prioritize diverse hiring. We are committed to delivering superior-quality litigation, enforcement, prosecution, and advisory services to our clients. Inclusion of a specialized investigation department strengthens our ability to provide top-tier services to our clients in safeguarding their IP rights. Our team is widely known for its success in prosecution and portfolio management as well as achievements in litigation and enforcement cases before the Turkish civil and criminal IP courts. In our commitment to go above and beyond, we have taken the initiative to provide pro-bono training through the Online IP School by Kenaroğlu. This program, which was launched in the summer of 2021, is specifically designed for law school students who are eager to enhance their understanding of IP law. Our distinct approach demonstrates our dedication to “give back”, which we believe is another factor setting us apart in the market from our competitors. Since its formation in 2021, the Online IP School has successfully completed four terms. It encompasses a wide array of IP law aspects, including litigation, enforcement, prosecution, and non-contentious matters. It draws upon significant precedents from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office and Courts of Appeals. Moreover, the Online IP School features esteemed IP practitioners from diverse regions, actively engaging in the program by sharing their career paths and field experiences. This holistic approach not only furthers the students' expertise in intellectual and industrial property law but also fosters connections with IP professionals on both local and global scales.  

2) Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

In the upcoming year, we anticipate a steady and measured growth rather than an aggressive one. Our trajectory over the past three years has been marked by significant milestones that have laid the foundation for this expected growth. At present, our firm proudly counts three highly recognized partners, complemented by two outstanding managing associates and a team of talented lawyers, trademark and patent attorneys, internal investigators, and dedicated administrative staff. This collective effort has positioned us as one of the largest teams in Türkiye focusing exclusively on IP Law. The growth and strength of our team, coupled with strategic additions, provide a solid foundation for the anticipated expansion in the identified areas over the next 12 months.  

3) What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

The most impactful change we have implemented in the firm over the past four years has been the strategic acquisition and transfer of key talent, solidifying our position in the market and enhancing our ability to attract top-notch professionals. In 2021, a pivotal moment occurred with the recruitment of Ali Bozoglu as a partner and the head of our enforcement/brand protection team. Since Ali joined our Firm, the enforcement team has experienced remarkable growth, tripling its business under his leadership. Following Ali's success, we welcomed Umut Tahirogulları as a managing associate, contributing significantly to the expansion of our brand protection team. This transformation positioned us as one of the most successful brand protection teams in the market, empowering us to offer our clients a comprehensive spectrum of trademark law. Building on this momentum, in 2023, we further strengthened our team with the addition of Mine Güner as a partner. Mine co-leads the litigation and prosecution teams and brings a wealth of experience in copyright, media, and transactional IP work. Additionally, she strengthens our trademark practice with her vast expertise in the area. Her arrival has had a profound impact, notably enhancing our copyright and transactional practice and propelling our growth to evolve into a fully integrated 360-degree IP firm. This strategic move ensures that we can provide our clients with unparalleled expertise and comprehensive IP services across all facets of their needs.  

4) Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Certainly, technology is increasingly shaping our interactions with clients and counterparties. Presently, we rely on digital tools as prominent instruments for communication and organization. For instance, we engage in online meetings, enabling us to expedite resolution, problem-solving, and strategic discussions in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.  

5) Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Our commitment to providing valuable insights and foresight into the evolving landscape of IP Law in Turkey underscores our proactive approach. Anticipating the transition of authority from IP Courts to the Turkish Trademark and Patent Office (TPTO) effective January 10, 2024, we meticulously monitored the changes, and well in advance, we communicated with all our clients, apprising them of the potential challenges and ambiguities on the horizon. In addition to these courtesy notifications, we went above and beyond by advising our clients on precautionary measures to navigate the impending shift successfully. Notably, we pride ourselves as the first firm to offer a webinar addressing the risks associated with the upcoming non-use cancellation system. This proactive and comprehensive approach exemplifies our dedication to enhancing client value by keeping them informed, prepared, and ahead of regulatory transformations. Moreover, within our brand protection team, a key focus lies in custom seizures and safeguarding our clients' trademarks before customs authorities. Establishing strong ties with legal entities, including customs offices, our enforcement department's growth has empowered us to offer specialized customs trainings. This targeted trainings are designed to educate customs officials about our clients' brands. Since implementing these initiatives, the success rate of customs enforcements has experienced a significant surge, highlights the effectiveness of our efforts in raising awareness and fostering collaboration with customs authorities.  

6) Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Our clients have been long-standing partners with our firm for almost a decade, and their enduring loyalty speaks about the stability and strategic direction we provide. Through their valuable feedback and our consistent high rankings in legal directories, it is evident that they prefer us for our strategic approach to legal matters, our focus on their business needs, and our practical orientation. We pride ourselves on understanding their businesses intimately and maintaining a commercial mind-set in our legal advice. Recent accolades, such as winning "Prosecution Firm of the Year-2022" and "Trademark Disputes Firm of the Year 2023" from a prestigious legal directory, emphasizes our commitment to excellence. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about our future. With ongoing talent transfers, the cultivation of home grown talents, and dedication, we anticipate maintaining our position as a top-tier IP firm in the market within the next three years. This foresight is grounded in our continuous pursuit of excellence, client-focused approach, and a strategic mind-set that positions us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the legal landscape.