3rd International Symposium of Current Developments on Intellectual Property Law, Led by Balıkesir University, Commenced in Istanbul

The 3rd International Symposium of Current Developments on Intellectual Property Law, organized in collaboration between Balıkesir University and Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, commenced with an opening ceremony at the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.

Supported by the General Directorate of Copyright of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, Phonogram Producers Collecting Society of Turkey (MÜ-YAP), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, International Vision University, and Tashkent State University of Law, the symposium takes place on 16–17 May 2025 under the theme of current developments, challenges, and solutions in intellectual and industrial property law. It brings together distinguished professors, experts, and practitioners in the field of intellectual property rights.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu, Rector of Balıkesir University; Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University; Prof. Dr. Ahmet Vecdi Can, Rector of International Vision University; Prof. Dr. Islambek Rustambekov, Rector of Tashkent State University of Law; Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office; Bülent Forta from MÜ-YAP; Recep Ergül, President of the Musical Works Owners’ Society of Turkey (MESAM); as well as members of the judiciary, academics, administrative staff, and students.

Following a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, the program continued with opening speeches.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Rector of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, emphasized that protecting intellectual property rights has become increasingly difficult in today’s rapidly digitalizing world. He highlighted how copyright and ethical violations have become more complex with the growth of digital content.

Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu, Rector of Balıkesir University, underlined the significance of organizing the symposium for the third time under BAUN’s leadership. He noted that the event provides a valuable platform for sharing up-to-date research and discussions on the latest developments in intellectual property law. Expressing his satisfaction in realizing such a distinguished event with partner institutions, he wished the symposium to be fruitful for students and academics and extended his gratitude to all supporting organizations.

Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, stressed the growing importance of industrial property—especially patents and trademarks—for the national economy. He underlined how the national technology initiative and increasing interest among young people are enhancing the value of intellectual property.

Bülent Forta, General Coordinator of MÜ-YAP, pointed out that digitalization has rendered many traditional regulations in the music industry and intellectual property outdated, urging legal systems to adapt to new technologies. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between universities and the sector in finding fair solutions in the digital transformation era.

Recep Ergül, President of MESAM, drew attention to the challenges of music production, comparing the labor of poets and composers with the perfectionism required in the creative process. He stressed that producers take significant risks and make major investments to bring works to audiences.

Over the course of two days, the symposium will host 16 sessions, where leading academics, practitioners, and industry representatives will share their knowledge and experiences, offering solutions to current challenges in the field of intellectual and industrial property law.