Interview with: Arzu Maltepe, Lawyer – Founder

Founder Arzu MALTEPE explains, what is the key approach of its firm to the issues of their clients.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Sağlamdemir Law from your competitors?

Being diligent and hard-working is a core principle of our approach. We fight until the very last minute and do not accept defeat unless there is truly no alternative. Of course, we always consult our clients on the pros and cons, possible outcomes, and necessary expectations—but we consistently do our utmost to find a way forward.

 

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

Since we operate in the field of Intellectual Property, our primary focus is on IP-related matters. One of the key issues we foresee is the increasing relevance of unused trademarks. As new businesses continuously emerge and create new trademarks, the available trademark pool is becoming increasingly limited.

Another significant topic is the impact of Artificial Intelligence on IP rights. The questions surrounding not only the ownership of intellectual and industrial property created by AI, but also the functioning of AI itself, are becoming more pressing and will require careful legal examination.

Additionally, developments in the enforcement of IP rights worldwide are of great importance. In today’s world, where borders are becoming less of a barrier, cross-border enforcement of rights must be closely monitored. We anticipate that international collaboration will play a key role in ensuring effective and harmonized enforcement.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One of the most significant aspects that sets us apart is our holistic approach to legal matters. We do not view cases as isolated disputes, but rather as part of a broader picture. We strive to stay closely connected with our clients, and while addressing the immediate issue at hand, we also look beyond it—examining its underlying causes, potential consequences, and how we can develop a comprehensive strategy. This approach allows us to tailor our work to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our clients effectively.

 

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

Of course, technology plays a vital role in how we communicate with our clients. We utilize all available communication channels to ensure that we are accessible anytime and from anywhere. Moreover, since IP matters are closely linked to technological developments, it is essential for us to stay up to date by constantly following the latest trends and innovations. Keeping pace with technology allows us to better serve our clients and provide forward-thinking legal solutions.,

 

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

It is possible to give several examples of our approach in practice. As mentioned, we always adopt a holistic perspective, guiding our clients through the potential outcomes of their situation. In doing so, we aim not only to provide legal solutions but also to offer commercial insight.

For instance, last year we handled a dispute between two international companies operating in the textile sector. The conflict centered around design rights, and the representatives of these companies—who also held registered designs in Türkiye—were themselves in conflict. When one of the representatives approached us regarding the dispute in Türkiye, we broadened the scope. By bringing all parties, including the international firms, to the table through arbitration, we managed to resolve the conflict and transform it into a new commercial collaboration.

 

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

As we’ve previously emphasized, we believe that the primary duty of a reliable law firm is to guide its clients toward the best possible strategic options—not only from a legal perspective but also by offering commercial insight. Of course, a lawyer should not make decisions on behalf of the client. Rather, it is the lawyer’s role to present the available options, clearly explain the potential outcomes, and empower the client to make an informed choice. Not all clients initially expect this level of involvement from their law firm. However, once they experience the comfort and confidence that this approach brings, they often choose to entrust the strategic direction to us—allowing them to focus on the matters that truly require their attention.

In response to the second question, we are proud to say that we have been working in this field for over 15 years. Our experience extends beyond Türkiye—we have had the opportunity to work with clients from all around the world. We have built strong expertise particularly in Intellectual Property and Commercial Law, and we are continuously seeking to establish new connections and collaborations with like-minded firms across the globe. Our core approach is to serve our clients internationally through these networks and to support them in growing their businesses in the direction they envision.