The “Symposium on Current Developments in Intellectual Property Law 3rd International Symposium” commenced at the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall of Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU). Speakers emphasized that the protection of intellectual property rights has become an increasingly complex issue in today’s globalized and digitalized world, noting its critical role in motivating and fostering creativity across diverse fields from academic production to the music industry.
The symposium was jointly organized by Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and Balıkesir University. Opening speeches were delivered by IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Balıkesir University Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu, Tashkent State University of Law Rector Prof. Dr. Islambek Rustambekov, International Vision University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Vecdi Can, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, General Coordinator of the Phonogram Producers' Collective Society of Turkey (MÜYAP) Bülent Forta, and President of the Musical Work Owners’ Society of Turkey (MESAM) Recep Ergül.
Acar: Protecting Intellectual Property Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult
In his opening remarks, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar stressed that in today’s rapidly digitalizing world, the protection of intellectual property has become more important than ever. He stated:
“In this era of accelerated digitalization where digital materials, products, and publications dominate questions remain about how to protect intellectual property rights and manage these processes. Ethical violations within academia, such as copyright infringement, are also part of this issue. Just as protecting tangible economic assets is crucial, safeguarding intellectual property components such as patents, publications, and copyrights is becoming increasingly complex especially under the influence of globalization and digital communication technologies.”
Oğurlu: No Creative Work Can Be Produced Without Protection
Balıkesir University Rector Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu emphasized that the protection of intellectual property rights directly impacts creativity and production. He remarked:
“In countries where Turkey’s intellectual property is not protected, the production of original ideas and works becomes impossible. We may spend nights, even weeks, creating just one sentence or paragraph. Among us are poets for whom completing a poem may take an entire year. But if that poem is stolen by someone else, we may lose the motivation to ever write again. I personally witnessed how rightful expectations and acquired rights were violated in a study I spent three years preparing. Such experiences inevitably weaken our motivation. If we fail to protect these ideals, we cannot set high academic goals, nor can we sustain productivity.”
Durak: Companies Now Rely on Intellectual Property Assets
President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, highlighted the increasing significance of industrial property such as patents, utility models, designs, geographical indications, and trademarks in both the national economy and everyday life. He pointed to the role of Turkey’s national technology initiatives and growing interest among youth in driving development in this field, stating:
“Young people are now asking themselves, ‘How can I invent something?’ Their self-confidence is growing.” He also noted that company valuations have shifted from being based on physical assets to intellectual property assets.
Forta: Legal Frameworks Must Adapt to Technological Developments
Bülent Forta, General Coordinator of MÜYAP, drew attention to the paradigm shift in the music industry and intellectual property resulting from digitalization:
“The world is undergoing a major transformation, and the paradigm shifts brought by digital music are rendering traditional mechanical regulations obsolete. We are now confronted with new phenomena such as podcasts, streaming services, and artificial intelligence. The legal system must adapt to these developments. Technology advances first and then law must follow. It is therefore essential that the legal system provides fair and effective solutions. The collaboration between universities and industry will play a critical role in this digital transformation.”
Ergül: Producers Assume All Risks
MESAM President Recep Ergül emphasized the challenges of music production and the crucial importance of intellectual property. He said:
“The process of creating a song is akin to childbirth. A poet or composer may spend countless sleepless nights perfecting a work, often revising it repeatedly due to a pursuit of perfection. Eventually, a performer expresses interest in the song, but without a producer, it cannot reach the public. The producer assumes all the risks, making a substantial financial investment while calculating potential losses.”