Distributor Agreements in Turkey

Distributor agreements in Turkey is highly demanded contract entered into between a company that is the manufacturer or supplier of a product and another company with the aim of promoting and increasing the sales of its products through a broader network. This agreement is made between the manufacturer or supplier company and the distributor. The distribution agreement covers matters such as the sale, distribution, marketing, and advertising activities of the products.

The manufacturer or supplier company aims to increase the sales of its products through this agreement. Through this agreement, the distributor represents and distributes the manufacturer or supplier company’s products in a specific region or market. The distribution agreement specifies the rights and responsibilities between the parties and regulates their collaboration.

What is a Distributor Agreement?

A distributor agreement is a type of contract made between a manufacturer or supplier and a distributor or dealer. This agreement grants rights and responsibilities to the distributor or dealer to distribute the products of the manufacturer or supplier within a specific geographic region or market. Distribution agreements typically regulate the relationship between the manufacturer and the distributor, and define mutual rights and obligations. The purpose of these agreements is to expand the manufacturer or supplier’s products to a broader market and increase sales.

Distribution agreements have not been specifically regulated under the Turkish Commercial Code, the Turkish Code of Obligations, or any other specific law in Turkey. In distribution agreements, the parties include elements such as the subject of the contract, the region or market, rights and obligations, duration, and termination. While the contract specifies the distributor’s tasks, such as selling products, maintaining stock, marketing, and after-sales services, the manufacturer or supplier also outlines its responsibilities, including supplying products, providing support, pricing, and payment terms. Duration and termination conditions are also determined within the scope of the contract.

Distribution agreements contribute to the healthy and sustainable conduct of commercial relationships. However, these agreements can vary from country to country and are regulated within the legal framework of each country’s regulations. Therefore, details regarding distribution agreements can differ depending on the country.

How to Draft Distributor Agreements in Turkey?

When creating distribution agreements, it is essential to include fundamental elements. However, each distribution agreement can be unique and tailored to the specific needs of the parties. Therefore, when drafting a distribution agreement, it is crucial to detail the rights and responsibilities of the parties extensively.

Key elements of a distribution agreement:

  1. Parties: Since distribution agreements are contracts made between a manufacturer or supplier and a distributor or dealer, the first element is the parties. These parties represent the two sides that sign the contract and establish the distribution relationship.
  2. Subject of the Contract: Distribution agreements regulate the distribution of specific products or product groups. This element includes the products defined as the subject of the contract. The subject of the contract encompasses details such as which products will be distributed, the features of the products, brands, models, and more.
  3. Mutual Rights and Obligations: Distribution agreements determine the mutual rights and obligations between the parties. This element includes both parties adhering to the contract, fulfilling their mutual responsibilities, setting sales targets, the distributor’s duties such as selling products, marketing, and after-sales services, and the manufacturer or supplier’s responsibilities such as supplying products, providing support, pricing, and payment conditions.
  4. Region or Market: Distribution agreements are generally valid for a specific geographical region or market. The region or market specified in the contract refers to the area where the distributor has authority or distribution rights. This element indicates that a specific market or region will be managed by the distributor within the scope of the contract, and the products will be distributed in that area.

These elements are the fundamental components of distribution agreements. However, each distribution agreement can be unique and tailored to the specific needs of the parties. Therefore, it is crucial to meticulously define the rights and responsibilities of the parties when preparing a distribution agreement. We recommend seeking legal services from an attorney to prevent any loss of rights.

Istanbul Distribution Agreement Attorney

At Han & Partners Law Firm, we offer various services as distribution agreement attorneys in Istanbul to meet the needs of our clients regarding distribution agreements. With the aim of safeguarding our client’s interests and defending their rights to the best extent, we provide the following services:

  • Preparation of the Contract: We prepare the distribution agreement tailored to our client’s needs. The contract includes all necessary clauses from a legal perspective to ensure its validity and protect our client’s rights.
  • Negotiation of the Contract: We participate in the negotiations of the distribution agreement to protect our client’s interests. During negotiations, we make necessary changes to support our client’s rights and interests.
  • Implementation of the Contract: We take all necessary steps to protect our client’s rights during the implementation of the distribution agreement. In case of a breach of contract, we support our client in initiating the necessary legal procedures to protect their rights.

As distribution agreement attorneys, we provide comprehensive services to protect our client’s rights by taking all necessary steps. These processes include the preparation, negotiation, and implementation of the contract. As distribution agreement attorneys, we make necessary changes to protect our client’s interests and initiate legal procedures to defend our client’s rights. At Han & Partners Law Firm, we offer comprehensive services as distribution agreement attorneys in Istanbul.

FAQs: What Does Distributor Mean in Turkish Law?

A distributor, in a legal context, is an authorized entity or individual that is connected to a manufacturer or supplier company and is responsible for the distribution, sale, marketing, and advertising of products in a specific region or market. The distributor operates under a contractual agreement with the manufacturer or supplier company.

FAQs: What is a Distributor in TCC (Turkish Commercial Code)?

Distribution agreements can be considered within the scope of the Turkish Commercial Code as commercial contracts. These agreements are contracts made between a manufacturer or supplier company and an authorized person or company responsible for the distribution and sale of products within a specific region or market.

Under the Turkish Commercial Code, distribution agreements are subject to the principle of freedom between the parties. In other words, compliance with the terms negotiated and agreed upon between the parties is required. In case of non-compliance with the contract terms, legal sanctions may be applicable.

Termination of a Distribution Agreement

The termination of a contract can occur through mutual agreement of the parties or due to a breach of contract terms. Termination due to breach refers to a situation where one party has the right to terminate the contract because the other party has violated the terms of the contract.

In the case of termination due to breach, the right to terminate can be exercised as long as the breach by one party significantly damages the contract or prevents it from achieving its purpose. The nature of the breach and which circumstances constitute grounds for termination are typically outlined in the contract text.

For instance, failure of the distributor to meet the specified sales targets in the contract or the manufacturer or supplier company not meeting the quality standards of the products might be considered breaches that trigger the right to terminate. However, the termination process should generally be carried out in accordance with the notification periods or procedures specified in the contract.

Mutual agreement refers to a situation where the parties mutually decide to end the distribution relationship. In this case, the termination process is determined by the conditions set forth in the contract and occurs through mutual agreement of the parties.

Compensation clauses may come into play when a distribution agreement is terminated. These clauses provide for the payment of compensation by one party to the other party depending on the reason for termination. For example, compensation may be applicable in cases of breach of contract or early termination. The amount and terms of compensation are determined based on the provisions specified in the contract.

These aspects provide a general overview of the termination of distribution agreements. However, distribution agreements can vary according to the specific needs of the parties and may include different provisions. Therefore, carefully reviewing the contract terms and seeking professional legal assistance in each case is important.

Cancellation of a Distribution Agreement

The cancellation of a contract can occur without a specific reason or a legally valid reason between the parties. For instance, one of the parties may wish to terminate the distribution activities, or the contract may automatically be canceled when its term expires.

Compensation in a Distribution Agreement

In the event of the termination of a distribution agreement, provisions related to compensation may come into effect. These provisions, if present, enable one party to pay compensation to the other party based on the reason for termination. For instance, compensation might be applicable in cases of breach of contract or premature termination. The amount and terms of compensation are determined based on the provisions stipulated in the contract.

These elements provide a general overview of the termination aspects of distribution agreements. However, distribution agreements can be unique and may include various provisions based on the specific circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial to review contract terms carefully and seek professional legal assistance.

Contact Us

As Han & Partners Law Firm, we offer comprehensive services to our clients in terms of distribution agreements. By taking the necessary steps to safeguard our clients’ interests and rights, we manage the processes of preparing, negotiating, and implementing distribution agreements.

Proper and fair legal drafting of distribution agreements is essential to ensure equality and mutual trust between the parties. Therefore, we tailor contract preparations to the specific needs of our clients and stand by them during negotiations. For further information and legal consultation, you can get in touch with our law firm.