Index
Commercial law plays an important role as a legal branch that regulates the fundamental rules of the business world and commercial relationships. Business law in Turkey encompasses the daily operations of businesses, the formation of commercial contracts, the resolution of commercial disputes, and the regulation of competition.
First and foremost, Turkish commercial law regulates the process of establishing companies. This legal branch covers matters such as determining the legal status of a company, defining the rights and responsibilities of partners, establishing company organs, and determining the management structure. Turkish Commercial law ensures the preparation of all necessary documents for company formation and the compliance with relevant legal procedures. You can refer to our article on establish a company in Turkey and the types of companies for more information.
The role of business law in Turkey is significant in the daily operations of businesses. Commercial contracts form the basis of relationships between businesses. Commercial legislation determines the formation, validity, provisions, and sanctions applicable in case of contract breaches. Additionally, business law in Turkey regulates the relationships between businesses and consumers and ensures consumer protection.
Turkish Commercial law also plays a crucial role in the resolution of commercial disputes. Courts or alternative dispute resolution methods are used to resolve disputes, including disagreements between businesses, debt disputes, or other commercial disputes. Turkish Commercial law aims to provide a fair and effective resolution by determining the processes of dispute resolution and protecting the rights of the parties involved.
The regulation of competition is also an important aspect of commercial life. Business law in Turkey aims to preserve free competition and establish market order. Within this framework, topics such as preventing unfair competition, combating monopolies, and regulating marketing and advertising activities are governed by commercial legislation. This ensures a fair competition environment among businesses, aims to protect consumer rights, promotes economic growth, and maintains market equilibrium.
Turkish commercial law also plays an active role in the regulation of international trade agreements. With the increasing globalization, commercial relationships and collaborations between countries have gained importance. Commercial legislation establishes the legal framework for international trade, enabling the formation and implementation of international trade agreements. Alternative dispute resolution methods such as international arbitration are used to resolve disputes arising from international trade agreements.
Finally, business law in Turkey emerges as a constantly evolving field. Technological advancements, the rise of digital commerce, and new trade models are among the topics that commercial law needs to adapt to. In this context, data protection, electronic contracts, cybersecurity, and other related subjects hold significant importance. In the rapidly changing business environment, commercial legislation should be regularly updated and adaptable to innovations.
Article 1 of the Turkish Commercial Code – The Turkish Commercial Code is an integral part of the Turkish Civil Code numbered 4721, dated 22/11/2001. The provisions of this Code, along with the special provisions written in other laws regarding transactions and acts concerning a commercial enterprise, are commercial provisions. In cases of commercial matters where there is no specific provision, the court shall decide according to commercial customs and practices, and if these are also absent, according to general provisions.
The Turkish Commercial Law establishes the fundamental legal framework governing commercial relationships and the activities of businesses in Turkey. The basic principles of Turkish commercial law aim to ensure fair and orderly conduct of commercial transactions, provide a secure and stable environment for trade, and offer protection to businesses. The key principles of business law in Turkey are as follows:
These principles form the foundation of business law in Turkey and serve as guidelines for businesses and individuals engaged in commercial activities.
The sources of business law in Turkey constitute the foundation of the rules and principles that make up commercial legislation. These sources typically include legal texts and regulations, court decisions, and international agreements.
Turkish Commercial law is a branch of law that establishes the fundamental rules of the business world and regulates commercial relationships. It encompasses important areas such as freedom of contract, fairness, and consumer protection. It also includes company law, commercial contracts, competition law, international trade law, and commercial enterprise law.
These areas collectively form the scope of Turkish commercial law and provide guidance for businesses and individuals engaged in commercial activities.
Commercial litigation plays a significant role in the resolution of commercial disputes in Turkey. Commercial litigation involve the resolution of commercial disputes in courts. These types of cases typically cover topics such as contract breaches, compensation claims, arbitration proceedings, bankruptcy, and concordat applications. Swift and effective resolution of commercial litigation is of great importance in establishing trust in the business world. Commercial cases are generally heard in specialized commercial courts with judges who have expertise inbusiness law in Turkey, ensuring faster and more efficient resolution of commercial disputes.
Alternative dispute resolution methods can also be used in the resolution of commercial ltigation. Arbitration allows the parties to resolve disputes through the appointment of an arbitrator by mutual agreement. Arbitration is often preferred as a faster, private, and commercially confidential method.
The aforementioned types of commercial litigation cases cover various disputes that arise in the business world. Each type of case has its own characteristics and legal procedures, depending on the nature and subject of the dispute.
The Law No. 7155, adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on December 6, 2018, introduced the regulation of “mandatory mediation as a precondition for litigation” for the resolution of commercial disputes in Turkey, effective from January 1, 2019. This regulation brought significant changes to commercial litigation, introducing a new approach to resolving disputes related to claims and compensation demands through the commercial dispute mediation process.
Article 5 of the Turkish Commercial Code regulates which commercial disputes in Turkey are subject to mandatory mediation. The article states:
“Among the commercial disputes specified in Article 4 of the Turkish Commercial Code and other laws, it is a precondition to apply to a mediator before filing a lawsuit regarding claims and compensation demands that involve a sum of money.”
This provision makes the commercial dispute mediation process mandatory for resolving commercial disputes in Turkey, particularly those involving claims and compensation demands, by defining the application to a mediator as a precondition.
In this context, it is considered a prerequisite for parties to apply to a mediator before going to court to resolve commercial disputes. In other words, a person must complete the commercial dispute mediation process before filing a lawsuit regarding claims or compensation demands. Otherwise, the court may reject the case procedurally due to the absence of this precondition and will not have the authority to examine the dispute.
However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement at the end of the commercial dispute mediation process, they may resort to the judiciary. That is, mediation opens the way to court if the parties fail to reach an agreement. At this point, the court evaluates the failure of the mediation process and tries to find a fair solution by examining the parties’ demands.
Moreover, if the parties reach an agreement at the end of the commercial dispute mediation process, their right to file a lawsuit on the agreed matters is restricted. That is, if the mediation process is successfully completed, the parties cannot apply to the court regarding the agreed matters. This strengthens the potential of the commercial dispute mediation process to provide a fair and lasting solution between the parties.
The mediation process in commercial disputes involves a mechanism conducted within a specific timeline aimed at providing an effective solution between the parties. The mediator completes the mediation application within six weeks from the date of appointment. However, in mandatory cases, the mediator has the authority to extend this period by two weeks.
A noteworthy point in the application of mandatory mediation is that the limitation periods are suspended, and the prescriptive periods do not run from the date of application to the mediator until the final mediation report is signed. This situation provides the parties the opportunity to seek a solution during the mediation process without the risk of losing their legal rights due to time limitations.
Commercial contracts are legal documents that regulate the various legal relationships of merchants, including both individuals and corporate entities, within the principle of freedom of contract and defined boundaries, and bind the parties involved.
The foundation of commercial contract law lies in preparing contracts in a way that considers the interests of both parties and minimizes risks in transactions conducted between merchants under Turkish Contract Law.
Today, a wide range of commercial contracts are made at both national and international levels among individuals, companies, and partnerships. These contracts include mergers and acquisitions, sales transactions, restructuring, debt collection, distributorship, franchising, agency, franchise, leasing, distribution, and licensing agreements. Additionally, various contracts are made in areas such as transportation, logistics, credit, equipment financing and leasing, securities and real estate law in Turkey, and service agreements, both locally and internationally. This wide range of contracts is of great importance for regulating various relationships in the commercial world and creating a fair and reliable framework between parties.
Given that the specific provisions contained in commercial contracts can produce binding results for the parties, any gaps, errors, or omissions in the content, terms, and drafting of the contract, or even the inclusion of unfavorable provisions, can lead to irreparable damages. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to seek legal assistance from an experienced lawyer in the drafting of contracts and during the execution process following the contract.
Commercial contracts play a crucial role in establishing the legal foundation of business agreements. Turkish Commercial law is significant in the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of these contracts. Commercial contracts can cover various topics such as the sale of goods, service agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, and more.
It is of great importance to properly draft and structure commercial contracts to protect the rights of the parties involved. Business lawyers provide services in contract drafting, negotiation, and legal advice. This ensures that contracts are legally sound, fair, and helps prevent commercial disputes in Turkey.
Some common types of commercial contracts used in business transactions include:
Trade aggrements aim to establish the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the parties involved in business relationships and commitments. Each type of contract includes its own specific provisions and provides a dispute resolution mechanism in case of disagreements. Seeking professional legal assistance from a law office in Turkey is essential in the preparation and execution of commercial trade agreeements.
Commercial contracts are important documents that regulate business relationships and define the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. The process of preparing commercial contracts in Turkey must be carried out carefully. The initial stage involves the negotiation process between the parties. During this stage, communication is established between the parties to resolve disagreements, clarify expectations, and determine the main outlines of the contract.
The first step in answering the question of how to prepare a commercial contract is drafting the initial text. During the drafting stage, a preliminary draft is prepared by considering the expectations and demands of the parties. This draft contains the fundamental elements of the contract and forms a basis on which the parties will mutually agree.
After completing the negotiations, the parties agree on the final text. The final text represents the commercial contract, which is formed through the mutual declaration of will and the resulting compromise between the parties. During the preparation of the contract, the parties have the right to arrange the contract as they wish. At this point, the details of the contract are determined in line with the demands and expectations of both parties.
However, an important consideration is that the clauses to be included in the contract must comply with the relevant legal provisions. The content of the contract must be in accordance with the current legislation; otherwise, legal issues may arise. Therefore, during the preparation of commercial contracts, it is crucial for the parties to collaborate with a legal professional to ensure that the contract meets legal requirements.
There are some important points to consider when drafting commercial contracts.
Trade agreements are important documents that regulate the activities of businesses and establish specific rights and obligations between the parties. Careful drafting and proper implementation of contracts help protect the interests of the parties and facilitate smooth business relationships.
Commercial contracts may be terminated based on mutual agreement between the parties or through unilateral termination. However, the process of terminating a commercial contract can lead to various consequences. It is important that the termination conditions of a commercial contract are clearly stated in the contract.
The termination conditions of a commercial contract can vary depending on the type of contract. In commercial contracts, the provisions and conditions regarding the consequences of termination should be clearly expressed. The termination conditions of a commercial contract help prevent potential disputes between the parties and minimize problems that may arise in the event of termination.
An important consideration is that even if a commercial contract is terminated, it may contain provisions that remain unaffected by the termination. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the binding conditions in termination situations specified in the contracts. This detail is crucial for conducting relationships between parties in a transparent and fair manner.
Article 117 of the Turkish Code of Obligations states that a debtor of a due debt falls into default upon the creditor’s notice. However, it is not sufficient for the debt to be due for the debtor to be in default; the creditor must also have given notice to the debtor for the performance of the debt. Meeting these two conditions results in debtor default.
However, as an exception, if a specific date for performance is set in the contract between the debtor and the creditor, the creditor does not need to give notice. For example, if the parties have jointly determined the exact moment for the performance of the debt, the debtor falls into default upon the arrival of this moment, and the creditor can exercise their rights without the necessity of giving notice. For more detailed information, you can review our article on debt collection in Turkey.
In conclusion, the relevant article of the Turkish Code of Obligations clearly regulates how default situations occur, the requirement of notice, and the conditions for the termination of a commercial contract.
Maritime Commercial Law encompasses the legal field regulating maritime transportation, maritime trade, and other activities related to the sea. This area of law governs the relationships between shipowners, carriers, maritime companies, port operators, and other actors in maritime trade.
One of the fundamental documents in this field is the “Ship Operation Certificate in Maritime Trade.” This certificate confirms that a ship is legally operated and meets certain standards. Additionally, topics such as ship registry, ship mortgages, and ship registration are included within Maritime Commercial Law.
Maritime Law regulates contracts between shipowners and carriers. Documents such as freight contracts, bareboat charter agreements, and carriage contracts define the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. These contracts are usually prepared to match the complexity of international trade.
In the event of maritime accidents, Maritime Commercial Law addresses the responsibilities and compensations among shipowners, crew, and passengers. It also includes legal issues arising from collisions in territorial waters and on the high seas.
At the international level, one of the important documents in Maritime Commercial Law is known as “UNCLOS” (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). This convention regulates maritime jurisdiction areas and defines the rights and obligations of coastal states and other countries regarding maritime matters.
In conclusion, Maritime Commercial Law is a legal field that regulates all commercial activities related to the sea and shapes the relationships between shipowners and carriers. Its international character and complexity include various regulations suitable to the nature of maritime trade, serving as a crucial guide for all parties operating in this field.
International trade refers to the buying, selling, and exchange of goods and services between different countries. While facilitating the growth of businesses, international trade agreements also brings forth complex legal issues. There are several important points to consider from a legal perspective when engaging in international trade:
There are diverse legal considerations to keep in mind when engaging in international trade, and compliance with the legal systems of each country is necessary. This way, legal compliance in commercial transactions can be ensured, steps can be taken to prevent or resolve disputes, and the interests of all parties can be protected.
Occasionally, disagreements may arise in commercial relationships. Effectively resolving these disputes ensures the maintenance of a healthy business relationship between the parties. Here are some methods commonly used for the resolution of commercial disputes:
The choice of method for resolving commercial disputes in Turkey depends on the nature of the disagreement and the preferences of the parties involved. The key is for the resolution process to be fair, effective, and conducive to reaching a mutual agreement.
Each method used for resolving commercial disputes has its advantages and disadvantages. Negotiation and settlement allow for the continuation of the business relationship and the protection of mutual interests. However, reaching an agreement can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming.
Mediation provides a less adversarial environment between the parties and offers quicker resolutions. However, the mediation process requires both parties to be willing to reach a settlement. It is essential for the parties to be open to listening to each other and willing to compromise.
Arbitration is a frequently preferred method for resolving commercial disputes rather than commercial litigation. Arbitration decisions made by an independent arbitrator are binding and enforceable, and it can be less time-consuming and costly compared to commercial litigation. However, in some cases, arbitration can be expensive and time-consuming for more complex disputes.
Resorting to commercial litigation may be necessary in certain situations for resolving disputes. Courts oversee the judicial process and make decisions based on the law. However, commercial litigation processes are generally lengthier, more costly, and may strain the business relationship between the parties.
In conclusion, various methods such as negotiation, settlement, mediation, arbitration, or commercial litigation can be used to resolve commercial disputes in Turkey. The choice of method depends on the characteristics of the dispute, the preferences of the parties involved, and the existing legal framework. Seeking professional legal advice from a business lawyer in Turkey and selecting the appropriate method ensures the fair and effective resolution of the dispute while protecting the interests of all parties involved.
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