Martı TAG wins long-running unfair competition lawsuit

The 14th Regional Court of Justice has ruled in favor of Martı TAG, overturning a previous decision that had labeled the ride-sharing platform as an unfair competitor to taxi services. The ruling concludes a four-year legal battle initiated by over ten taxi chambers, including the Istanbul Automobile Tradesmen Chamber and the Antalya Drivers and Automobile Chamber.

The court determined that Martı TAG’s activities cannot be prohibited by judicial decree because the service is not explicitly banned by legislation or restricted by administrative authorities. The decision emphasized that the platform falls under the constitutional right to freedom of enterprise.

While the ruling provides a significant legal victory for Martı TAG, the court noted a legislative gap regarding urban transportation. It stated that creating new regulations to address technological developments and complex urban mobility needs is the responsibility of the legislature, rather than the judiciary.