Country of Origin & Trademark Objections in Bangladesh

Country of Origin Certificate for trademarks and handling DPDT objections in Bangladesh — Country of Origin Certificate helps overcome trademark objections in Bangladesh.

✅ What is a Country of Origin Certificate?

What is a Country of Origin Certificate

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A Country of Origin Certificate (COC) is an official document used to prove the origin of a product or brand.

In trademark matters, this usually refers to the official trademark registration certificate issued in the applicant's home country.

🔍 In short: "Country of Origin Certificate" = Home Country’s Trademark Registration Certificate.

This document is crucial when filing a trademark in another country like Bangladesh, as it helps demonstrate prior ownership, legal use, and the mark’s distinctiveness.

⚠️ When is it Required in Bangladesh?

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) may raise an objection during the examination of a foreign trademark application, asking the applicant to submit an attested copy of the Country of Origin Certificate.

This generally occurs when:

The applicant is based outside Bangladesh;
The Registrar wants proof of the mark's registration or use abroad;
There is doubt about the mark’s distinctiveness or prior rights.

📄 What Should the Certificate Include?

The Country of Origin Certificate (i.e., trademark registration certificate from the home country) should ideally include:

Trademark owner’s name and address;
The trademark as registered;
Registration number and date;
Issuing authority (usually the National Trademark Office);
Seal, signature, and preferably attestation or legalization.

📝 How to Handle a Trademark Objection Requiring This Certificate

If DPDT issues an objection requesting the Country of Origin Certificate, follow these steps:

✅ Step 1: Read the Objection Carefully

Identify the memo number, the date of issue, and the exact deficiency noted — typically asking for the attested home country’s trademark registration certificate.

✅ Step 2: Collect the Required Document

Contact the issuing authority (Trademark Office) in your home country and request a certified/attested copy of the trademark registration certificate.

Ensure it is:

In English (or accompanied by a certified English translation);
Attested or legalized as per DPDT’s requirement.

✅ Step 3: Draft a Strong Written Response

Your reply should explain:

That the attested Country of Origin Certificate is now submitted;
That the trademark is registered and used in other jurisdictions;
That it is also used in Bangladesh (if applicable);
Supporting legal references, such as:
- Section 6 (Absolute grounds for refusal)
- Section 8 (Relative grounds for refusal)
- Section 10 (Proprietorship and earlier rights)

📎 Also attach:

Evidence of use in Bangladesh
Screenshots or links showing use in other countries

✅ Step 4: Submit and Request Hearing

Submit the written response and enclosures before the deadline. If you wish to clarify further, you may request a hearing before the Registrar to explain the merits of the case.

✅ Step 5: Submit to DPDT Timely

File your response and annexures before the deadline stated in the objection notice to avoid abandonment.

⚖️ Why It Matters

Responding to such objections professionally shows that the applicant holds legitimate rights and has complied with international and local trademark law. It often determines whether the application proceeds to registration.

At SUPREMEiP Law Firm, we assist global clients with preparing strong responses, collecting valid documentation, and navigating DPDT procedures with ease.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

A Country of Origin Certificate plays a critical role in establishing the applicant’s ownership and international use of a trademark. Handling such objections carefully and professionally increases the chance of successful registration in Bangladesh.

At SUPREMEiP Law Firm, we assist international clients in responding to DPDT objections with legal precision and supporting evidence, ensuring strong protection of their IP rights.

🗂️ Summary Table: Country of Origin Certificate & Trademark Objections in Bangladesh

Topic	Details
What is it?	Trademark Registration Certificate from the applicant’s home country
Purpose	Proves ownership, prior registration, and legitimacy of the mark
When Required in Bangladesh?	During DPDT examination, especially for foreign applicants or objections regarding distinctiveness
Who Issues It?	National Trademark Office or relevant authority in the applicant’s home country
Key Contents	Owner’s name, mark image, registration number, date, issuing authority, seal/signature
Legalization Required?	No – Attestation by a local trademark agent in Bangladesh is sufficient
How to Respond to Objection?	Submit the attested certificate, attach usage evidence, and cite Trademarks Act provisions
Relevant Legal Provisions	Section 6 (absolute grounds), Section 8 (relative grounds), Section 10 (proprietorship)
Optional	Request a hearing if clarification is needed