14.12.2025 21:41
Mehmet Çakmak, a silver ring craftsman in Gaziantep, has found himself facing a major Hollywood company due to his trademark "The Lord of the Rings," which he registered with the Turkish Patent Institute. The rights holder of the world-famous series, Middle-Earth Enterprises LLC, has filed a lawsuit against the Turkish artisan, claiming unauthorized use of the trademark.
With the approval of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office and the International Trade Commission in California, USA, Gaziantep silver ring master Mehmet Çakmak, who obtained the rights to use the name "The Lord of the Rings" in 35 commercial fields, has become embroiled in a legal battle with the company that owns the rights to the world-famous film series.
LAWSUIT FROM THE COMPANY HOLDING THE FILM RIGHTS
Middle-Earth Enterprises LLC, which holds the rights to the cinema and stage adaptations, video games, and commercial products of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," filed a lawsuit claiming that Çakmak used the brand without permission. The company requested the brand to be declared invalid and removed from the registry.
PATENT OBTAINED 6 YEARS AGO TURNED INTO A CRISIS
Mehmet Çakmak stated that he obtained the patent for the name "The Lord of the Rings" from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in 2019, and that the U.S. International Trade Commission also approved this registration. However, the brand's global recognition due to the film series has brought the process into an international legal battle.
"WE WERE USING THIS NAME BEFORE THE FILM"
Çakmak emphasized that he has been operating under the same name in Gaziantep for many years, stating that he used the brand solely in the silver jewelry sector without any connection to the film. Nevertheless, Middle-Earth Enterprises LLC filed a lawsuit in the Istanbul Intellectual Property and Industrial Rights Court, arguing that the brand was registered in bad faith.
A WARNING LETTER FROM THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
Çakmak explained that the production company sent a warning letter through a notary, requesting the withdrawal of trademark applications and the cessation of all uses. He stated that they objected to this request and continued to use the brand.
"INTERNATIONAL LEGAL PROCESS HAS BEGUN"
Speaking about the lawsuit process, Mehmet Çakmak said, "We registered this name with an official Turkish patent decision. We have no commercial ties to the film. We make rings, we do not shoot films. Currently, an international legal process has begun between us and the United States, and we believe we will win."
ACCESS BLOCK ON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Çakmak noted that access to the company's social media accounts was blocked by a precautionary decision as part of the lawsuit, and stated that all necessary documents for the removal of this decision have been submitted to the court.
Çakmak argued that the recent popularity they gained on social media is one of the main reasons for the lawsuit, saying, "It is impossible to confuse us with the film company. They make films, we produce jewelry. We do not intend to give up the name."
"THE LORD OF THE RINGS BELONGS TO GAZIANTEP"
Çakmak expressed that he sees the lawsuit not only as an individual matter but also as a local success story, stating, "This name has been used in Gaziantep for 5 years. We have not taken anyone's rights. The Lord of the Rings belongs to Gaziantep and will remain so."
"WE MAKE RINGS, NOT FILMS"
In conclusion, Çakmak emphasized his profession, saying, "We are not making a film. We produce rings that people will wear for a lifetime. That is why we are the Lords of the Rings."