Ankara: Trkiye is intensifying its efforts to increase the number of food products recognized under the EU's geographical indications and traditional specialties schemes from 40 to 60 next year, as outlined in the 2026 Presidential Annual Program. The initiative aims to foster an environment conducive to intellectual property rights development and safeguard the rights of IP holders both domestically and internationally. This move is expected to create opportunities for innovation and the establishment of value-added global brands through various support programs and measures against rights violations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the program offers technical assistance to institutions applying to the EU, alongside support for pilot products. This includes identification, branding training, and organization of awareness campaigns, among other activities. Furthermore, the program plans to incorporate artificial intelligence in the registration processes.

Efforts are also underway to bolster the workforce engaged in patent applications, particularly focusing on green and digital transformation. Informative seminars are planned to address industrial property issues, aiming to increase the number of registered and valid patents in these sectors to 4,000 this year and 4,400 next year.

The number of international patent applications from Trkiye is projected to reach 2,100 by the end of next year and 2,300 by 2026. Notably, the EU recently certified "kaytaz boregi," a traditional pastry from Hatay, alongside the previously recognized "Gaziantep baklava," marking significant achievements in Trkiye's pursuit of EU geographical indication registrations.