The short answer
The Bangladesh Industrial Design Act, 2023 (Act No. 22 of 2023, enacted 11 July 2023) gives designs their own law, replacing the design provisions of the Patents and Designs Act, 1911. It protects the visual look of products for up to 25 years, with a 30-day opposition stage and administrative and court remedies.
The Act at a glance
| Sections | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 | Definitions; the DPDT as the authority |
| 4 to 5 | Designs not protected; conditions for registration |
| 6 to 9 | Ownership, application, priority (Paris, 6 months), filing date |
| 10 to 12 | Publication and 30-day opposition; examination; certificate |
| 13 to 15 | Owner's rights; limits; 10-year term and renewals to 25 years |
| 16 | Cancellation within 2 years |
| 17 to 18 | Public Design Register |
| 19 to 20 | Assignment and licensing, to be recorded |
| 21 to 28 | Infringement, administrative and court remedies, appeals |
| 29 to 33 | Correction of errors, appeals from the Director General (60 days to the Government, then 60 days to the High Court Division), local representative, design search |
Scope and transition
The Act protects the aesthetic features of a product: shape, pattern, lines, colour, graphics, user interfaces and typography. Existing rights, applications and proceedings under the old law continue under this Act unless inconsistent. Foreign applicants must appoint a local representative.
Read the topics in depth: registration, eligibility, renewal and enforcement.
Industrial Design Act questions
When was the Act enacted?
On 11 July 2023.
What did it replace?
The design provisions of the Patents and Designs Act, 1911.
What is the maximum protection?
25 years: a 10-year initial term plus three 5-year renewals.
Is someone copying your design?
SUPREMEiP® prepares notices, administrative complaints and District Court suits for design owners in Bangladesh.
