Entertech Istanbul Teknokent organized the event “The Commercial Journey of Patents: Real Experiences and Strategies” on April 15, 2025, at the Commercialization of Knowledge Center. The event, which addressed the transformation of patents into economic value from multiple perspectives, brought together representatives from universities, public institutions, the private sector, and the investment world to share their experiences.

Among the participants were:

• Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, Rector of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and Chairman of Entertech’s Board of Directors
• Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, Rector of Istanbul University and Vice Chairman of Entertech’s Board of Directors
• Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT)
• Dr. Muhammed Kasapoğlu, General Manager of Entertech
• Sacide Kasapoğlu, General Manager of TÜRKSMD as well as many representatives from TÜBİTAK, TÜRKPATENT, TÜRKSMD, technology transfer offices, and the industrial sector.

“Patents are both a right and an economic opportunity”

In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammed Kasapoğlu, General Manager of Entertech, emphasized that patents should not only be seen as legal rights but also as economic opportunities:

“Following the National Technology Initiative, awareness of intellectual property in our country has developed significantly. Turkey ranked second in the world last year in industrial design applications. But true success lies in patents being transformed into commercial and sustainable economic gains. At this point, universities serve as a bridge, transferring academic knowledge to industry and society.”

Sacide Kasapoğlu, General Manager of TÜRKSMD, highlighted that even a potentially world-changing patent could disappear if not supported by the right strategies and framework:

“Entrepreneurs need professional support to move forward with the technologies they develop. As TÜRKSMD, we step in at this stage to provide entrepreneurs with strategic consultancy.”

“R&D investment is critical for economic return”

Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, Rector of Istanbul University, stressed the importance of increasing Turkey’s R&D expenditures:

“R&D investments must reach at least 2% of national income in order to yield economic returns. These investments are critical for achieving sustainable development goals.”

Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of TÜRKPATENT, pointed to Turkey’s global achievements in intellectual property:

“We rank 12th worldwide in patent applications. In design applications, we are second after China, and in trademarks, we are second in Europe. Universities play a key role in these achievements.”

Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, Rector of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, underlined the university’s leadership in patent production:

“We are the university with the highest number of patent applications and registrations in Turkey each year. However, our primary goal is to transform this success into economic benefit. Through the Patent Commercialization Project and Product Development Project launched by our university’s Scientific Research Projects (BAP) Coordination, we provide opportunities for academic ideas to meet industry.”

Collaboration protocol and patent award ceremony

Following the opening speeches, a collaboration protocol between Entertech and TÜRKSMD was signed by Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, and Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak. The protocol aims to facilitate entrepreneurs’ access to strategic consultancy processes and contribute to the commercialization of patents.

The event also featured the “TÜRKPATENT Registration Certificates Presentation Ceremony.” Throughout the day, four separate panels explored topics such as the use of patents as investment tools, management of intellectual property portfolios, value creation strategies, and technology transfer roadmaps with client organizations.