ŞAHİN | DOĞAN Law

ŞAHİN | DOĞAN Law

About Us

Şahin | Doğan Law provides services tailored to the legal needs of its clients, utilizing its expertise, experience, and solution-oriented approach in the field of law. Our organization operates with the fundamental objectives of protecting the rights of our clients and ensuring access to justice. Since the beginning of our career, we have supported our clients’ legal needs with a staff of professionals that uphold the fundamentals of the law and the values of integrity, fairness, and reliability. In line with these principles, we approach our clients’ legal issues with a solution-oriented approach, offering legal counseling, case management, and alternative dispute resolution methods.

Our attorneys consist of specialized, experienced, and up-to-date professionals equipped with current legal knowledge. We develop strategies for the protection of our clients’ rights and the optimal management of legal processes by conducting analyses on their legal issues. In line with this approach, we provide legal services to our clients with our highly qualified team of lawyers in various legal matters.

At Şahin | Doğan Law, our aim is to maintain the highest level of client satisfaction with our expert team. In line with this goal, we establish sincere communication with our clients and provide them with accurate, detailed, and understandable information regarding their legal issues. By collaborating with our clients, we assist them in better understanding the legal processes and making informed decisions.

Our young and dynamic team closely monitors the developments in the legal field and provides our clients with the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, we aim to offer the most suitable solutions to our clients’ legal issues, keeping abreast of legal innovations and striving to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. We continuously enhance and update our professional development by attending seminars, conferences, and similar events in the field of law. Through these activities, we increase our knowledge and experience, as well as expand our professional network.

Among our ultimate goals are to earn the trust of our clients and strive to provide them with the best service. In line with this, we make efforts to resolve their legal issues as quickly as possible and ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.

At Şahin | Doğan Law, our priority is to provide expert, reliable, and solution-oriented services in the legal field. We aim to contribute to access to justice and the protection of our clients’ rights by offering the most suitable solutions to their legal issues.

Team

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Founding / Managing Partner

Att. Mert Can Şahin received his English education at Istek Foundation Private Bilge Kağan Primary School and High School. He has always improved himself by continuing the German and English education he received in primary school. After graduating from high school, he gained admission to Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Law and took special lessons that would contribute to his future career. Additionally, he attended many seminars and certificate programs during his education and graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Law as an honor student.

Att. Mert Can Şahin, completed his legal internship in Turkey’s leading law offices and firms. During his time as a lawyer, he provided legal services to leading companies in their fields. Meanwhile, with his belief that learning never ends and being aware of the importance of remaining dynamic, he participated in many seminars, especially in the field of competition law. As a lawyer registered with the Istanbul Bar Association, he continues to work in the field of law as the Founding / Managing Partner at Şahin Doğan Law Firm.

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Founding / Managing Partner

After graduating from Deutsche Schule Istanbul,  Att. Umay Ege Doğan graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Law as an honor student in 2018. She completed her master’s degree in Economic Law at Istanbul Bilgi University in 2022 with her thesis titled “De Minimis Rule in the European Union and Turkish Competition Law” in the field of competition law.

She participated in many certificate programs during her education, concentrated on competition law during her legal internship, and admitted to the Istanbul Bar Association in 2020. Having served reputable Turkish and foreign companies throughout her career, Att. Umay Ege Doğan continues to work in the field of law as a Founding Partner at Şahin Doğan Law Firm as of 2023. Although her areas of expertise are competition law, contracts and obligations law and consumer law, she also serves her clients in the fields of intellectual property, labor law and administrative law.

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Senior / Consulting Partner

İbrahim Can Narin graduated with high honors from İzmir Bornova Anatolian High School, actively participating in social responsibility and sports activities. He completed his law degree at Marmara University Faculty of Law in three years with honors, held leadership roles in student clubs, and gained experience through internships at prestigious law firms. After interning at Küçükislamoğlu & Partners, he became a manager in the Arbitration and Marketing departments and later served as Head of Compliance. During this period, he successfully executed hundreds of compliance projects and was awarded “Most Valuable Personal Data Protection Attorney.”

In 2020, he became a Partner, and in 2021, he was promoted to “Fully Authorized Partner.” In 2022, he was recognized by London-based Success Pitchers among “The 10 Most Eminent Leaders in Law,” and in 2023, he was named a “Solution-Oriented, Innovative, and Dynamic Leader” by The CIO World. He continues his education with an L.L.M. degree, an MBA at Istanbul Technical University, and studies at Marmara University Faculty of Economics. In 2024, he founded the partnership Narin & Bilen & Dilsizoğlu and continues to serve on the boards of national and international companies, as well as performing trusteeship duties under the Ministry of Justice.

Our Publications

Evaluation of General Transaction Terms within the Scope of Turkish Commercial Code for Traders

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

In our article, it has been emphasized that while individual contracts are made based on the principle of freedom of contract in private law, there are also unilateral contracts called general transaction terms. It has been stated that there are regulations regarding these terms in the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) and the Turkish Civil Code (TCC), and that the TCC will be applied in cases that do not constitute unfair competition, while the TCC will be applied in cases of commercial contracts that constitute unfair competition. Additionally, it is mentioned that due to the absence of a distinction regarding individuals in Article 20 of the TCC, general transaction terms will also be applicable to traders.

Assignment of Lease Agreement and Sublease Relationship

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

This article highlights the concept of contractual freedom as an important principle within the civil law system. However, it emphasizes that the Constitution and legal regulations impose limitations on contractual freedom. The issue of assignment of contracts is also addressed, indicating that assignment can occur through statutory or voluntary transfer. The transfer and sublease relationship in lease agreements, particularly voluntary transfer, are specifically discussed. It is noted that the Turkish Code of Obligations does not differentiate between commercial and non-commercial lease relationships, nor does it make provisions based on the legal personality of the parties involved. The provisions regarding the assignment of lease relationships in the law are also examined.

The Storage and Destruction of Invoice Information in terms of the Law on the Protection of Personal Data and the Turkish Commercial Code

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

In this article, it is stated that invoices are considered as personal data, and a general-special law debate between the Tax Procedure Law (TPL) and the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) has resulted in the TPL being regarded as the more specific law. It is mentioned that the 5-year legal period specified in the TPL is the minimum duration for the destruction of invoices, but applying the 10-year period stated in the TCC would be beneficial. As per the TPL, consumers can request their invoices to be destroyed by the company once the mandatory 5-year retention period has expired. However, companies are also obligated to fulfill the consumer’s request.

Web Site and Domain Rights

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

Our article discusses various aspects related to domain names. While trademark law allows the same mark to be used for different goods and services, the same domain name can only be used once on the internet. Domain names are considered as a form of electronic residence, and only one person can use the same trademark for different goods and services as a domain name within the same country. Domain name owners have the right to use, cancel, or transfer the domain name to another registration authority during the allocated period, but they must comply with legal regulations. Since domain names can lead to unfair use of well-known brands and names, the principle of ‘first come, first served’ is applied worldwide. Domain names can be allocated for a maximum of three years at a time, and rights holders must submit a renewal request within three months before the expiration date. Priority is given to individuals who create well-known brands and names to register the domain name in their own name.

The Evaluation of Exclusive Distribution Agreements from a Competition Law Perspective

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

Our article explains the evaluations made by the Competition Authority regarding exclusive distribution agreements. The Authority does not base its assessment on the name or designation given to the agreement, but rather considers whether it falls within the scope of vertical agreements. Taking into account the rights and obligations of the parties involved, these types of agreements can be made compliant with the law through the exemption system. The Regulation on Exclusive Distribution Agreements aims to protect both the exclusive sellers and suppliers, as well as third parties and customers who are not party to the agreement. The Regulation sets forth limitations, and it is clearly stated that non-compliance with these limitations may result in violations. It is believed that such agreements can be regulated and the market order can be preserved under the supervision of the Competition Authority.

Assessment of Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists within the Legal System

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

In this article, the requirement for individuals who have completed undergraduate education in the field of Psychology to be subject to professional laws or organizational membership in order to provide counseling services has been evaluated. The interpretation of practices and regulations indicates that a master’s degree is necessary for providing clinical services or individual counseling, or alternatively, individuals must fulfill the requirement of having received certified training and demonstrated competence in the medical applications of psychology as deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Health, according to the relevant legislation regarding Psychology undergraduate education.

The Process of Establishing a Limited Company in Turkey for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

English / Russian

In our article, we have listed the main steps that non-Turkish citizens of foreign countries need to follow in order to establish a Limited Company in Turkey.

Protocol and Binding Nature in Consensual Divorce

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish

In this article, the mechanism of consensual divorce is discussed with regard to Article 166/3 of the Turkish Civil Code. Spouses must reach an agreement regarding the financial consequences of the divorce and the situation of the children, and sign the relevant protocol. The protocol is also read in the presence of the court to confirm the parties’ intentions. However, if one party withdraws from the agreement, the case may turn into a contested divorce case. It is advisable for spouses who wish to file for consensual divorce to hire an attorney to reach agreements on issues such as compensation, alimony, custody, and visitation rights. Attorneys can assist in protecting the rights of their clients and taking the correct steps during the legal process, leading to a smoother and more favorable outcome in the consensual divorce case.

The Process of Obtaining a Short-Term Residence Permit

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish / English

Our article discusses the requirements and application process for obtaining a short-term residence permit in Turkey. Foreign nationals staying in Turkey for more than 90 days are required to apply for a residence permit. Applications can be made through the website e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr, and the applications must be submitted within Turkey. Applicants need to complete specific documents for their application. A list of individuals eligible for a short-term residence permit is also provided. The required documents for the application are not limited, and the Directorate General of Migration Management may request additional documents. In case of any missing documents, they should be completed within 30 days.

The De Minimis Rule in the Scope of Competition Law

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish

In this article, the De Minimis Rule is explained, including its definition and the conditions under which certain undertakings can benefit from it within the scope of competition law. The De Minimis Rule allows for the non-investigation of certain agreements that may otherwise be considered anti-competitive. It applies when such agreements have a minimal impact on the market. For instance, if the combined market share of the parties to an agreement does not exceed a certain threshold or if the agreement possesses other characteristics that fall below a specific level of impact on competition, authorities may be entitled to refrain from examining such agreement.

Prevention of On-Site Inspection

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish

Our article addresses the imposition of penalties by the Competition Board for obstructing on-site inspections. It explains how enterprises should behave during on-site inspections. An on-site inspection refers to a competition authority visiting the offices or facilities of enterprises as part of an investigation into suspected conduct or agreements. However, on-site inspections can be disruptive and costly for companies. The article provides guidance on how enterprises should conduct themselves during on-site inspections.

Opening a Bank Account in Turkey for Foreign Legal Entities: Convenience and Perspectives

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish / Russian / English

In our article, we have outlined how foreign company owners can easily open bank accounts in Turkey and listed the main steps to follow.

Gaining Citizenship by Investing in Turkey: Advantages, Different Pathways, and Acquisition Timelines

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Turkish / Russian / English

In this article, we discussed how foreign investors can obtain Turkish citizenship by making investments in Turkey, highlighting the many advantages it brings, such as a stable future, business expansion, and access to new markets. We emphasized that Turkish citizenship offers numerous opportunities, including freedom of movement, employment and business rights, social benefits, inheritance rights, and dual citizenship. Furthermore, we outlined the various pathways available for achieving this goal.

Rental Price Determination

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish

In this article, we evaluated the rental price determination cases in line with the Turkish Code of Obligations and the established jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of Appeals and talked about the publicly known mistakes and under what conditions this right of action can be exercised.

The New Period Rent Increase Rates

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish / English / Russian

In this article, we address the questions surrounding rent increase rates as of July 1, 2024. We aim to clarify common misconceptions and explain under what conditions and in what manner these increases can be implemented.

Establishing a Company in Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Att. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Att. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish / English

In this article, we address the questions surrounding the process of establishing a business in Turkey. We aim to clarify common misconceptions and explain the key steps, legal requirements, and conditions for successfully setting up a company.

Key Considerations to Avoid Loss of Rights in the Urban Transformation Process

Av. Mert Can ŞAHİN

Av. Umay Ege DOĞAN

Turkish

In this article, we address the most common questions property owners face in the urban transformation process. In particular, we aim to clarify the critical points often overlooked in agreements with contractors and outline the key steps to consider, together with the legal framework governing the process.