Practice Area
Commercial Disputes
Commercial contracts, debt claims and business disputes in Türkiye: process, documents and key risks.
Commercial disputes concern disagreements arising from business relationships: contracts, receivables, unfair competition and internal company conflicts. Resolving them efficiently depends on early document discipline and choosing the right forum. This page summarises the general framework for information purposes.
What it covers
- Commercial contract drafting and review
- Recovery of commercial receivables
- Current account, agency and distributorship relationships
- Unfair competition and reputation protection
- Commercial litigation and dispute resolution
How the process works
- Establishing the facts: reviewing the underlying contract and correspondence.
- Gathering evidence: invoices, account statements, emails and delivery records.
- Choosing a route: negotiation, mediation, enforcement or litigation.
- Pursuing the matter: conducting the chosen process to conclusion.
Key documents and early steps
- Written contracts and annexes
- Invoices, delivery notes and receipts
- Current account statements and reconciliation letters
- Email and message records between the parties
Keeping documents in order and sending a written demand at an early stage can be decisive both for limitation periods and for proof.
Common mistakes and risks
- Relying on oral agreements without written records
- Ignoring limitation periods
- Struggling to prove a claim due to missing invoices or reconciliation
- Detecting a dispute late and allowing evidence to be lost
Each commercial matter must be assessed on its own facts; this content is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are commercial disputes resolved in Türkiye?
- Typically through negotiation, mediation, litigation before the commercial courts, or arbitration where agreed. Certain commercial disputes require mandatory mediation before litigation.
- How long does a commercial case take?
- Duration varies significantly with the nature of the dispute, the evidence and the court’s workload. No specific timeline should be assumed.
- What is unfair competition?
- Conduct contrary to good faith that harms or may harm competitors or suppliers. The Turkish Commercial Code sets out the acts of unfair competition and the available claims.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer about your specific situation.