Özlem is an IP litigator, Turkish trademark and patent attorney and European patent attorney who has more than 20 years’ experience practising IP law in Turkey. After being in house counsel (where she handled the IP portfolio of one of the biggest porcelain companies in Turkey) and then working in a reputable IP firm, she founded OFO VENTURA in 2003.
Özlem has broad experience in effectively managing IP portfolios for some of the most recognisable national and international companies operating in Turkey. She applies her considerable experience, tenacity and creativity to the handling of more complex matters such as oppositions, dilution claims, domain name issues, copyright matters, negotiating complex licences, customs seizures and anti-counterfeiting matters, as well as non-use and nullification matters. Her clients span all industries including cosmetics, fashion, food, entertainment, publishing, online games and certification companies.
She has also handled IP matters for celebrities, designers, and Art Institutions.
Özlem is an officially appointed expert before IP Courts in Istanbul, and is a sworn English translator.
MEMBERSHIP AND COMMITTEES: As a leading expert in geographical indications (GIs), Özlem is a member of MARQUES’ and ECTA’s GI committees and has spoken and written on the topic extensively. She is also an active member of the Regulatory Committee of AIPPI, Turkey.
She has participated in many other committees and organisations over the last 20 years and is a member of the European Communities Trademark Association (ECTA) , the Pharmaceutical Trademarks Group (PTMG), the German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (GRUR), the International Trademark Association (INTA) , the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) , MARQUES, and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Agents Association (PEM).
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PUBLICATIONS: Özlem has been called on to speak at various conferences and events and writes extensively on developments in Turkey including for the most popular IP Blog in Turkey called IPR GEZGİNİ < IPR Traveller > which is followed closely by all members of the IP community in Turkey. See her articles here.
RANKINGS: 2018 edition of the World Trademark Review1000 rankings lists Ofo Ventura as “recommended” in Turkey and notes about Özlem: “Founding partner Özlem Futman tackles the trickiest trademark puzzles with composure.”
2019 edition of the WTR1000 rankings lists Ofo Ventura as “recommended” in Turkey and notes about Özlem: ” Founding partner Özlem Fütman matches granular IP knowledge with refined commercial sensibilities.”
EDUCATION: Özlem received her LL.B. from Istanbul University Law School and obtained her LL.M. in Intellectual Property, Commerce and Technology from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in the United States.
ABOUT ÖZLEM: Özlem says: “Changing your perceptions can always teach you something, does not matter for how many years you practice IP, every single day is a great new opportunity to learn new things!”
Özlem is lover of brands, crime-fiction dramas and books, traveling, and classical music. She is known to be a workaholic, but when she isn’t busy finding solutions for her clients, she can be found reading, writing, exercising and creating mouth-watering gastronomic meals, and is a member of several national and international gastronomy organizations.