Gökçe > Istanbul, Turkey > Firm Profile
Gökçe Offices
ABIDE-I HURRIYET CADDESI NO.158
SISLI 34387 ISTANBUL
Turkey
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Gökçe > The Legal 500 Rankings
Turkey > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Gökçe is experienced in the fintech sector in relation to matters including payment services and digital payments, e-money service providers, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, digital banking and outsourcing regulations. The firm’s clients include emerging tech companies, venture capital investors, private equity funds, start-ups and healthcare companies. Görkem Gökçe is a popular choice for local and international clients. Ali Paslı combines his practice in IT and telecoms with expertise in intellectual property and Bedii Kaya focuses on internet law, digital forensics and cybersecurity matters.Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Ali Paslı; Bedii Kaya
Other key lawyers:
Yağmur Yollu
Testimonials
‘The team is fully experienced on digital business and technology, especially data privacy. Always ready to answer the questions, not only about the law, also with the practical solutions. Result oriented and on time answers.’
‘We worked with Bedii Kaya, he’s a real expert on Data Privacy and E-commerce law issues. Yagmur Yollu is always ready to find solutions to Data Privacy issues of our companies, quick and spot on.’
‘The team is absolutely effective. Once you get in contact with the law firm you get an immediate answer and they assign you the adequate professionals which cover all your needs.’
‘They are excellent lawyers, fast, effective, clear and they give you all the information/advice that you need.’
‘The team is always there to help and answer your questions. They are keen with their outstanding expertise.’
‘First of all, team members of Gokce have deep sector know how and implementation practices. This knowledge in cooperation with high level of communication skills are strengths of Gokce. Also, they have a broad team for specific subjects.’
‘I believe the team and culture is most unique part of Gokce. They have one of the most diverse, collaborative, kind and responsive teams I have ever worked with.’
‘All the team have excellent communication and expertise skills which makes them different from their competitors.’
Key clients
Gram Games
Codeway Games
Dynasty Studios
MoonNation Game
Evreka
Inofab
Motul
iLab Holding
KariyerNet
Endeksa
Figopara
VenueX
DDTech
mukellef.co
HiVC
Inveo
Gedik Investment
NeoAuvra
Kenthaş
Distedavim
Dentsoft
EA Force
Work highlights
- Assisted Neo Auvra with EU and US regulations in general and specifically in terms of health regulations.
- Provided consultancy to the companies that are under the umbrella of iLab Holdings particularly on electronic commerce and data protection law.
- Assisted Kariyer.net with almost every matter that touches information technology, cybersecurity, privacy or e-commerce.
Turkey > Media and entertainment Tier 2
The practice at Gökçe covers licensing, joint ventures, IP rights management, regulatory research, commercial agreements and advertising law. The team has unique expertise in NFTs in regard to regulatory compliance, IP management and preparation of smart contracts for blockchain transactions. Görkem Gökçe advises media companies on IT matters, and co-heads with experienced arbitrator Ali Paslı and cybersecurity expert, Bedii Kaya.Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Dr. Ali Paslı; Bedii Kaya
Testimonials
‘Gökçe gave us sufficient support in all matters that we needed. They concluded all our contracts that we needed legally, in a relevant and fast manner. We got very fast and effective results with their teams who are experts in different subjects.’
‘Bedii Kaya supported us in many ways. His technology-oriented know-how has already provided us with the necessary support many times. While explaining our needs was already a big problem for us, his knowledge gave us an extra advantage in many ways.’
‘I would like to say that working with Gökçe’s media and entertainment team was one of the most successful decisions we have made. Gökçe has really proven its value and embraced our legal issues to handle them from the beginning to the end, taking into account every aspect of them.’
‘Regardless of his position, Görkem Gökçe takes the initiative in all aspects of his work and the supervision of his staff. He truly understands his clients, which enables him to offer advice that is centred on their needs.’
‘Gokce has a deep knowledge in mobile gaming industry, and its well-experienced partners correctly direct us through their prior practices. Associates and managers have strong communication skills, they clearly manage relationships with third parties.’
‘It truly is a firm focused on digital business and is an expert in technology law. This kind of a law firm needs to be aware of the commercial, technical and most importantly technological developments all over the world. They are very well prepared for rapid changes in the digital world. We appreciate deeply that they are always available and rapid no matter what. We always feel relax if we are on the table with Gökçe.’
‘Gorkem has a deep knowledge and also has been a great business partner. He knows every details on what a business works or when we can face a problem.’
Key clients
Gram Games
HUYA
Gameguru
Masomo
Codeway Studios
Alictus
Onedio
Scoutium
Robomotion
Dynasty Studios
Narcade Games
All Stars Music / Sony Music Publishing
IMeanIt Creative
Gybe Games
Funimate (Pixery Labs)
Spicy Music
Devium Technology
Sihirli Bilet
Eternal Fire E-Sports
Zeo Technology
Work highlights
- Assisted Codeway in rebuilding their studios’ setup in terms of intellectual property arrangements, revisiting and updating their user agreements, rights policies and privacy policies.
- Advised Dynasty Studios on its new business setup, e-gaming strategies and IP works.
- Assisted All Stars Music on its new projects in line with the digital market developments and its significant works related to intellectual property rights.
Turkey > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3
Turkey > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Corporate matters in the technology space are a standout strength of independent firm Gökçe, which has recently established itself as a key player in the software and online gaming sub-sectors. Founding partner Görkem Gökçe co-leads the department with experienced commercial lawyer Ali Paslı. Senior associate Yılmaz Toygun Tecirli joined in April 2021 and is admired for his ‘result-oriented mindset‘.
Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Ali Paslı
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have been working with Gökçe for a very long time, they have helped us through numerous deals and they know our business inside-out. They help us with our day to day corporate work and with our investment rounds. What sets them apart is their speed, flexibility and business friendly approach.’
‘We have completed 2 different investment round with Gokce. We have worked with different team members from Gokce and all of them were quick responsive and knowledgeable in their expertise. Company’s culture is well-defined and team is well organized in all aspects.’
‘Yılmaz Toygun Tecirli: We had gone through an M&A process recently, which was led by Toygun. We faced a lot of problems (IP issues, lawsuits, etc.) during the M&A and faced a lot of risks in the process. With his generosity and result-oriented mindset, Toygun was one of the most significant contributor to the success of M&A while facing all these risks. He was acting not like just a lawyer, but more like a lawyer leading the M&A process of his own company/venture. Very devoted, motivated, and success-oriented person.’
‘Gokce Law has significant expertise in the Technology sector and has an oustanding understanding of our needs and focuses. We work with them on daily basis for commercial matters and their advises and remarks helps us in the path and we have a mutual understanding of what matters most.In addition, we easily communicate with them at partner level when needed.’
‘The team responsible for us was very expert, very understanding, did not get bored of explaining things we did not understand until we understood them, and defended us really well by putting themselves in our place.’
‘All of team members of Gokce have been graduated from best universities in Turkey. Our company is formed by more than 15 shareholders and communication is the key in our investment rounds. Team members like Toygun Tecirli are exceptionally great both in organizing the process and knowledge of law. Moreover, they understand our needs very well and act accordingly to find best solutions.’
Key clients
Sony Interactive Europe Limited
Mercedes-Benz Finans
Dynasty Studios
Neo Auvra
Inveo Investment Holding
HI Venture Capital
Motul
Boyner
Global Investment Holding
Insider
Zendesk International
EA Force
Evreka
Figopara
Scotty
Inofab
Gram Games
Miniclip
N11
Galatasaray F.C
Work highlights
- Advised a US client on the acquisition of a health-tech company, valued at over $1bn.
- Advised Evreka on its latest investment round amounting to $2.2m.
- Assisted a fintech company with its latest round of investment amounting to $8m.
Turkey > Employment Tier 4
The employment team at Gökçe assists both local and international clients with employment matters in Turkey, such as reviewing agreements, unilateral termination, transfer of employees and workplaces. The team operates in a number of highly regulated sectors including aviation, insurance and healthcare and is co-headed by Görkem Gökçe and Müberra Gürdal .Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Müberra Gürdal
Other key lawyers:
Başak Taş
Testimonials
‘The entire team is able to offer suggestions that make business life easier and have a good command of labor law practices. They can carry out the processes in favor of both parties without going to dispute and litigation. They have a great command of the new generation operating system and can provide all kinds of support regarding compliance with the regulation.’
‘For me; Gökçe’s team’s greatest strength is their cross – disciplinary teamwork capabilities. Gökçe’s team is very effective in handling challenges with a collective-mind approach, thus making sure our decisions are not blind sided on any aspect of an issue.’
‘The top indicator that make Gökçe stand out for me is their work ethic based on taking 360’ full ownership of any process, issue or challenge. I always feel confident that no problem I share with them will remain unsolved. Reachability is a very important factor for my company and Gökçe is the team who always answers right away whenever we need their support, without exception.’
‘They are a team that is always easily accessible and responsive in case of any need.’
‘Gokce has a very deep knowledge about sector balances and dynamics, they are always updated and well-prepared. Especially on employment matters, they always guide us on how far we can stretch or practical potential consequences of violating strict regulations.’
‘Very in-depth expertise. Fast response time. And customised service.’
‘Personal and very friendly advice.’
‘Good team. They took care of me. They solved my problems. They understood me.’
Key clients
Inofab
Narcade
Codeway
Mükellef
Motul Oil
Trendbox
Figopara
Work highlights
- Prepared employment contracts for Codeway to be signed by the company and its employees.
- Advised Motul on day-to-day labor law matters.
- Acted for Figopara and prepared the texts that are required to be signed in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Law.
Turkey > Dispute resolution Tier 6
Gökçe's offering in disputes is particularly strong when it comes to shareholder cases and IP matters. The firm acts in a variety of other commercial disputes and is praised as being 'easy to reach, multilingual and having a very good attitude'. Ali Paslı, Müberra Gürdal and Erkan Sarıtaş co-lead the broader department, and senior associate Aslihan Kayhan stands out below partner level.Practice head(s):
Ali Paslı; Müberra Gürdal; Erkan Sarıtaş
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A large practice with a diverse team of legal experts capable of acting for clients from pre-action disputes all the way through court proceedings, whether in local courts or at the international level. They have strong commercial instincts, and provide practical advice which is valuable and easy to digest for the client.’
‘Elif Aksoz is a responsive and commercially minded advisor who understands the factors required for clients to succeed. Gorkem Gokce is very client-focussed, and is involved at every level.’
‘Aslihan Kayhan, and Ali Pasli give understandable feedback, careful about timing, well prepared and accessible.’
‘We have known Gökçe Law Partnership for a very long time. We have worked with them many times. We consult with them on particularly difficult and complex issues. Because we have a lot of confidence in them. Because they know our company very well, they offer us appropriate solutions to our problems. They have an expert staff in their field. Different lawyers who are experts in their field can support us in different legal problems to their teams. What is different in Gökçe Law Partnership is the way everyone handles and concludes jobs that require different expertise and perspective that they cannot do.’
‘Easy to reach, multilingual and with a very good attitude. I trust in their knowledge and problem solving skills.’
‘They can evaluate all our legal problems completely and always offer more than one solution. All of these suggestions fit well with our business life. While resolving commercial disputes, they primarily do research on the sector in which the client works, and this makes it easier for us to understand each other.’
‘They are the best for handling complex matters. The business of ours touches a lot of matters, different sectors and regulations. Since they have a tremendous experience, they are able to understand the complexity of the matters. They do not only understand the legal complexities but also the commercial and financial ones. Their perspective is so wide and varied.’
‘Aslihan Kayhan is always fast and solution-oriented, that is why she can always suggest different and accurate solutions for our problems.
Turkey > Intellectual property
Gökçe > Firm Profile
Gökçe is an independent full service law firm based in Istanbul. Gökçe offers a broad range of legal services to meet the needs of its diverse client base, ranging from rapidly expanding international companies to emerging growth companies. Since its establishment in 2010, Gökçe earned a reputation for its expertise in technology and media space. Moreover, Gökçe has become a go-to law firm for high-profile commercial disputes. As of 1 January 2020, Gökçe merged with YazıcıLegal Law Office and strengthened its banking and finance and capital markets practice.
In 2019, Gökçe became the Turkish representative of Interlaw, a highly-ranked international law firm network whereas in 2020, Gökçe established a German desk led by a dual-qualified lawyer.
Main areas of practice
Technology and internet and media: Gökçe’s tech and internet and media team’s reputation is built on delivering commercial and practical legal advice to clients active in the digital sphere in various industries. Team members’ deep understanding of the intricacies of technology involved ensures clients’ commercial interests. Gökçe advises clients on matters of intellectual property, consumer law, e-commerce laws and data protection compliance. Team members frequently provide mentoring to emerging growth companies at leading start-up incubators and accelerators including İTÜ Çekirdek and Endeavor Turkey.
Clients such as Sony, Hilton, Nimo.tv (HUYA), Edenred, Evreka, Trendbox, Figopara, Pixsy, Nely, Spotify, Facebook, McAfee, all widely recognized game changers in their respective industries; and Gram Games (a Zynga company), Masomo and Miniclip, all prominent actors in the e-gaming industry.
Corporate, M&A and venture capital: The corporate, M&A and venture capital team of Gökçe focuses on smaller to middle-market cross-border and domestic corporate transactions in various industries; advising on a range of corporate issues including drafting and negotiating of all types of commercial contracts, corporate compliance as well as corporate governance issues and M&A transactions. Clients include Farasis Energy (Ganzhou), BBraun, Hilton, WorleyParsons, Palsgaard, Doğuş Holding, Kıraça Holding and Çelebi Holding.
Team members are also highly adept in growth investment transactions and represent founder-led technology companies, from early stage all the way up to growth phase and exit. Gökçe recently advised:
- FIT Solutions (Foriba) founders on the sale of their shares to Sovos, a leading global tax compliance and regulatory reporting software company
- Gram Games, a leading Turkish mobile game company on the $250m acquisition by Zynga Inc
- Four Mobile in the acquisition by Tencent owned mobile games developer Miniclip
- Gameguru on the sale of one of its most-downloaded hyper casual games (namely, Slap Kings) to Lion Studios
- Panoroma Bilisim founders on the sale of their shares to Verifone, multinational corporation providing electronic payment transactions
- Various emerging growth companies on financing by private equity giants and growth/venture capital investors such as EBRD, IFC, Revo Capital, Endeavor, 500 Startups and Growth Circuit
- Evreka, an outstanding waste collection solutions SaaS company
- Layer, a leading technology company engaged in machine learning operating systems
- Figopara, a major fintech company acting as intermediary for trade finance transactions
- Spirohome, an innovative medical device company
- TraceItUp, creator of a next generation delivery management platform
- V-Count, provider of visitor analytics solutions
Banking and finance and capital markets: Gökçe has extensive experience in banking and finance and capital markets transactions, particularly in project financings. It represents leading Turkish and foreign financial institutions in respect of a large spectrum of financing transactions. Members of Gökçe’s team have been involved in high volume transactions in a variety of forms and experienced in structuring of complex financing models and security packages, drafting, establishment, release and enforcement of such securities. Team members have represented İş Bankası, Vakıfbank, Halkbank, Ziraat Bankası, OdeaBank, TSKB, T-Bank, Fibabanka, Gedik Yatırım, Worldpay, CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique, Bereket Group, Nurol Holding, , Çelebi Holding and Yüksel Holding on various project finance and financial restructuring transactions including energy sector, infrastructure, real estate project financing, acquisition financing and other types of asset financing.
With the YazıcıLegal merger, Gökçe’s banking and finance team grew stronger and practice expanded to include capital markets transactions. Gökçe recently advised Odeabank on a complex refinancing transaction with the full security package of Turkish law and regularly provides legal advice to Worldpay and MBaer Merchant Bank in respect of various banking and capital markets products provided to Turkish residents on a cross-border basis.
Dispute resolution: Gökçe has profound knowledge and experience in litigation, especially in commercial and IP related disputes. Gökçe represented N11(Doğuş), Peninsula Hotels, NRC International, Sovos Foriba, Celebi Aviation, BBraun, V-Count, Alfatek-Mesar, SITA Information, Nimo.tv (HUYA), Figopara, Trendbox, Seacor Holdings on various commercial disputes.
Employment: Gökçe’s employment team advises numerous clients including Alpla, Biopipe, Evreka, Gram Games (a Zynga company), Usla, Yemekhane, Sovos Foriba, Alictus and various company directors/managers on:
- Termination of employment
- Employment disputes
- Settlement of disputes
- Social Security disputes
Debt recovery and debt collection: Gökçe has a wide practice of debt collection activities including foreclosure proceedings, primarily conducted for high volume commercial receivables of its clients. Gökçe represents Çelebi Aviation, Alpla, FIT Solutions and Seacor Holding, Yemekhane, Geniks Kongre, Özak Global, Pars Güvenlik and B-Braun.
Criminal law and fraud: Gökçe’s criminal law team represents clients in complex criminal law matters in relation to commercial fraud, white-collar, financial, cyber, reconstruction crimes and data protection offenses. Gökçe’s criminal law clientele includes Çelebi Hava Servisi and various high-net-worth individuals in Turkey.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate, M&A and Venture Capital, Banking & Finance and Capital Markets, Technology & Internet & Media | Görkem Gökçe | ||
Banking & Finance and Capital Markets, Dispute Resolution | Prof. Dr. Ali Paslı | ||
Technology & Internet & Media | Dr. Bedii Kaya | ||
Technology & Internet & Media | Yağmur Yollu | ||
Dispute Resolution, Employment | Aslıhan Kayhan | ||
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Mr Görkem Gökçe | Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Mrs Müberra Gürdal | Co-Head of Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Dr Mehmet Bedii Kaya | Partner and Head of TMC & Privacy | View Profile |
![]() | Prof Dr Ali Paslı | Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution | View Profile |
![]() | Ms Yağmur Yollu | Senior Associate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 40Languages
English French German Korean RussianMemberships
International Technology Law Association Law Firm Sustainability Network British-Turkish Lawyers Association Istanbul Bar AssociationClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Koray Gültekin Bahar
COMPANY/FIRM: Figopara
TESTIMONIAL: As an investor and entrepreneur, what we need is a team that can adjust themselves to innovations and acts accordingly. With its dynamic and dedicated team, this is what Gökçe is all about. The team consist of excellent lawyers with top-notch legal knowledge. They provide what we aim for in a very short period of time.
For many years now, we have studied a lot of cases with Gökçe. They value the commercial interest and needs of our business as their own. I can easily say that with Gökçe on your side, your business is in the safe hands.
CLIENT: Onur Baylan
COMPANY/FIRM: Gram Games
TESTIMONIAL: Highly professional, dedicated and dynamic team. I feel comfortable working with them, without doubts.
CLIENT: Şimal Konanç
COMPANY/FIRM: iLab Ventures
TESTIMONIAL: Qualified and responsive team. They understand the requirements and provide practical advice.
CLIENT: Mehmet Ecevit
TESTIMONIAL: Experienced, practical and solution focused lawyers.
CLIENT: Sertaç Taşdelen
COMPANY/FIRM: Binnaz & Faladdin
TESTIMONIAL: Truly professional and responsible team always providing efficient and prompt solutions.
CLIENT: Umutcan Duman
COMPANY/FIRM: Evreka
TESTIMONIAL: Above standart responsiveness, sense of ownership and knowledge.
International Capabilities
Gökçe is an independent full-service law firm based in Istanbul.
We are proud to offer sound legal advice and effective solutions to our clients with our pragmatic, business-minded approach. We deliver results.
With our highly qualified and dedicated team, we understand the requirements of the fast-changing interconnected world, combine our solid local and international experience with a practical know-how to tackle our clients’ most complex challenges.
Our clientele ranges from multinational enterprises to, venture capitals, and start-ups.
The clients
Key international clients for the firm include Sony, Mercedes, Motul, Miniclip, Gameguru, Codeway, Hilton, Nimo.tv (HUYA), Edenred, Spotify, Facebook, McAfee, Gram Games (a Zynga company), Odea Bank, Worldpay, Zendesk.
The team
Gökçe has a well-established reputation in the technology, media and communications sector, acting for both the leading players and the disruptors who develop game-changing technologies and innovative business models, from complex platforms to content delivery and data management.
Our team members have proudly assisted our clients, particularly international ones, with establishing their business models as well as guiding them through the compliance stages as they continue to flourish.
We have one of the largest TMC&Privacy teams in Istanbul with 7 lawyers and 2 partners. With Dr. Bedii Kaya joining the team with his valuable expertise covering wide range of IT law matters; Gökce team has broadened the scope of work it undertakes. With Dr. Kaya’s arrival, the team boasts some of the “best brains” in the area, as well as being led by a truly experienced partner.
The Corporate, Commercial and M&A team consists of 2 partners and 8 qualified lawyers. Not only is our Corporate, Commercial and M&A team capable of handling the full range of work in this area (e.g. mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, venture capital transactions, corporate restructurings, spin-offs and general corporate advisory work), they also have an unrivalled experience in IT, Internet and technology related international M&A transactions.
Founding and managing partner Görkem has represented local and international clients on various commercial disputes during his career spanning more than two decades. He has key expertise in technology and digital business. Görkem represents international ic media groups, leading entertainment companies and e-gaming platforms.
Gökçe’s partner Prof. Dr. Ali Paslı has key expertise in all types of commercial disputes, IP disputes, international arbitration and enforcement of foreign awards in Turkey. Prof. Paslı is the author of five published books two of which have won reputable law awards.
The network
Gökce is the Turkish representative of Interlaw – a highly ranked international law firm network since 2019. Our Interlaw membership has enabled us to refer to high-quality law firms easily and promptly and to be referred to in relation to Turkish legal matters.
Diversity
Gökçe’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is woven into its fabric as it has adopted principles of equality and inclusivity since its inception in 2010. While we have to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go in Turkey in terms access to equal opportunity, we pride ourselves in being a pioneer when it comes to presenting equal opportunities to our current employees and applicants.
Gökçe is committed to fostering and promoting a culture of diversity in its workforce. We recruit, hire, train all employees in an equal manner regardless of their age, sex, race, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation. With the bulk of our team consisting of women, we are keen to demonstrate how a young and dynamic law firm can thrive when its team members are presented with equal opportunity based on principles of meritocracy.
We are also among the first law firms to manifestly support LGBTQIA+ rights and will continue to ardently do so. Our team members recently participated in the World Tour Challenge of International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) not only to celebrate AIJA’s 58th birthday but also to display solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities.