Interview with: Yasemin Kenaroğlu, Founding Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Kenaroğlu Avukatlık Bürosu from your competitors?

Founded as a specialized IP boutique in 2008, Kenaroğlu has grown into one of Türkiye’s largest dedicated IP teams, uniquely combining the comprehensive capabilities of a full-service firm with the meticulous attention of a boutique practice. Our partners and managing associates provide hands-on supervision at every stage, ensuring tailored, high-quality service across all areas of IP — from prosecution to litigation and enforcement.

What truly sets us apart is our in-house investigation team, which conducts in-depth research to strengthen case strategies, allowing seamless collaboration between investigators and attorneys for precise, efficient handling of complex disputes. Beyond client work, we actively invest in the future of IP through initiatives like IP School and KIP Academy, promoting industry awareness and fostering continuous learning. This holistic approach — blending legal excellence, strategic investigation, and a commitment to education — positions Kenaroğlu as a uniquely dynamic and forward-thinking IP firm.

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

At Kenaroğlu, our IP practice is rapidly expanding across trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrights. We provide end-to-end support, from prosecution and enforcement to strategic counsel and litigation. Türkiye’s role as a commercial hub drives demand for robust brand protection, especially against counterfeiting and online infringement. We handle complex trademark portfolios, advise on clearance and opposition proceedings, and lead landmark litigation shaping legal precedents. Our patent practice is growing, offering strategy consulting and litigation, particularly in regulated sectors like pharma. We’ve also expanded into IP transactions, supporting M&A teams and helping brands leverage their IP as business assets.

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

We’ve enhanced our services by strengthening internal investigations and adopting a more proactive, holistic approach to IP portfolio management. This shift allows us to combine in-depth market intelligence with targeted legal actions, reinforcing brand value and deterring potential infringers. By focusing on preventative enforcement and strategic market positioning, especially in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and consumer goods, we provide clients with long-term, impactful solutions — maximizing their IP investments while maintaining the hands-on, high-quality service of a boutique firm.

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

Maintaining regular meetings with both long-term and new clients is undoubtedly beneficial. In the past, in-person meetings were challenging due to our clients’ global presence, making them less frequent. Over the past five years, partly due to the pandemic, we have shifted to online meetings, enabling more frequent, spontaneous discussions without lengthy scheduling. This transition has strengthened client communication and streamlined the handling of complex cases.

Additionally, we have integrated technological advancements into our official bulletin monitoring and full availability searches, enhancing both the quality and speed of our services. This ensures greater accuracy and efficiency without compromising the meticulous approach we have always upheld.

Another key improvement has been the adoption of machine translation services for documents shared with clients. Particularly in time-sensitive matters, this has allowed us to provide rapid legal translations, reducing delays caused by traditional translation processes and ensuring that urgent filings and communications proceed without unnecessary setbacks.

We have observed that clients appreciate and benefit from these advancements, as they contribute to more effective communication, faster turnaround times, and a more seamless client experience overall.

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

At Kenaroğlu, we take a holistic approach to IP protection, helping clients not only safeguard their rights but also enhance their brand’s market awareness. For a global fashion brand, we developed a comprehensive enforcement strategy, combining regular market investigations with targeted legal actions. Through proactive litigation, we secured favorable court decisions, which not only stopped infringers but also had a chilling effect on the market, deterring potential counterfeiters and strengthening the brand’s exclusivity. These actions also helped reinforce brand awareness and consumer trust, positioning the client as a well-protected premium brand.

Beyond enforcement, we have been managing the client’s trademark portfolio for years, providing strategic advisory on filings and risk assessments. Our tailored approach ensures proactive protection, minimizes legal risks, and strengthens the commercial value of their IP assets.

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

Sure, clients increasingly seek stability, strategic direction, and long-term partnership from their law firms, especially in the dynamic field of intellectual property. At Kenaroğlu, we have built a reputation for providing consistent, high-quality legal services while adapting to the evolving needs of our clients and the IP landscape.

Looking ahead to the next three years, we envision Kenaroğlu further strengthening its position as one of Türkiye’s leading IP firms, expanding our regional and international reach, and enhancing our service offerings through technological advancements and deeper industry specialization. We aim to:

• Expand our investigative and enforcement capabilities, leveraging technology to offer more proactive brand protection strategies.
• Enhance our litigation and advisory services, strengthening positioning ourselves as a go-to firm for complex, high-stakes IP disputes.
• Strengthen our commitment to social responsibility, growing the impact of IP School to educate and inspire the next generation of IP professionals.
• Continue investing in talent development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of IP law through KIP Academy and mentorship initiatives.

By maintaining our boutique approach, prioritizing tailored solutions, and reinforcing our strategic foresight, Kenaroğlu will continue to provide clients with both stability and innovation, ensuring their IP assets remain protected in an ever-changing global market.