An unforgettable moment from the Olympics has captured the world's attention—Yusuf Dikeç's remarkable shot, taken without any equipment, has become an iconic image. However, there are warnings about the potential financial and emotional harm if this image is used commercially without permission. The photo is now being trademarked to protect its legacy. Uğur Yalçıner, President of the Patent and Trademark Attorneys Association, shared insights on this important development.
Winning a silver medal, Dikeç became a true icon with this particular pose. Many people, including some famous figures, have shared photos replicating this pose.
The application, submitted on August 10th, did not include the name of any individual or company but emphasized that the commercial use of this photo could have legal consequences.
reminded in a statement that everyone's name, title, and all written or visual content are protected under the Copyright Law, Industrial Property Law, and the Law on the Protection of Personal Data. Yalçıner emphasized that these registration rights are also valid internationally and that unauthorized use of these rights by individuals will be subject to legal and criminal penalties according to the relevant laws.
'Those who use a person's name and image without authorization may gain unfair profit by taking advantage of the person's fame and reputation, or the person's reputation may be damaged due to misuse. Individuals who use the names and images of athletes and celebrities without permission may be ordered to pay compensation for the damages they cause and the unfair profits they gain through legal actions, and they may also face fines and imprisonment.'