10.06.2026 22:01
The popular mathematics teacher Mustafa Güler, known in the public as the "Smiling Face of Mathematics," has concluded his lawsuit against digital streaming giant Netflix. The court ruled that Netflix must pay Güler a total of 1,950,000 TL in compensation for the unauthorized use of his images.
A final decision has been reached in the copyright dispute between teacher Mustafa Güler, known as the "Smiling Face of Mathematics" who reaches a wide audience with his educational content on social media, and the global digital streaming platform Netflix, which has lasted for about three years.
In the 8th hearing of the case heard at the Ankara 4th Intellectual and Industrial Rights Civil Court, the court panel ruled in partial acceptance of the case, convicting Netflix.
APPROXIMATELY 2 MILLION TL COMPENSATION TO BE PAID
As a result of expert reports and court examinations, it was confirmed that the digital platform used images belonging to Mustafa Güler without permission.
It was decided that the copyright compensation of 1 million 800 thousand TL, determined by the expert report and increased through amendment, along with advance interest starting from May 2, 2023, would be collected from Netflix. It was also ruled that the 150 thousand TL moral compensation awarded for Güler's non-pecuniary damages, with advance interest from the same date, would be paid to the plaintiff.
Against this verdict read in the presence of the parties, Netflix has the right to appeal to the Ankara Regional Court of Justice within 2 weeks.
GÜLER: A MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT FOR EVERYONE WHO LABORS, PRODUCES, AND SEEKS THEIR RIGHTS THROUGH LEGAL MEANS
Making a written press statement after his great legal victory, Mustafa Güler stated that this case is not just a personal matter but serves as a precedent for all content producers, using the following expressions: "I find it extremely valuable that an important decision has been made in this legal struggle I have been pursuing for about three years, in the name of protecting labor, intellectual production, and individual rights. I have maintained my trust in the law and the justice mechanism from the beginning. I believe this decision is a meaningful development for everyone who labors, produces, and seeks their rights through legal means."