How to Get a Trademark in Bangladesh?

How to Get a Trademark in Bangladesh? — Step-by-Step Guide

Trademark Registration Process in Bangladesh

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Securing a trademark in Bangladesh is a vital step for businesses and brand owners looking to protect their identity and exclusive rights in the marketplace. Managed by the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT), the process can be broken down into clear stages, each with timelines and official fees. Here's how you can get a trademark in Bangladesh with confidence.

Pre-Application: Conduct a Trademark Search

Why? To ensure your mark isn't identical or confusingly similar to an existing one, reducing the risk of future objections.
Timeline: 2–20 working days.
Official Fee: Approximately USD 27 (BDT 3,000)

Step-1. Filing the Trademark Application

Application: Submit Form TM-1, including applicant details, trademark representation (word/logo), class of goods/services (per the Nice Classification), and a Power of Attorney (POA) if using an agent.
For Foreign Applicants: Appointment of a local agent is mandatory
Timeline: 1–2 working days.
Official Fee: USD 61
POA Fee: USD 15 one-time fee included in filing cost; scanned copy is sufficient (no notarization/legalization required)

Step-1A. Examination by the Registrar

What Happens: DPDT examines the application for distinctiveness, conflicts with prior marks, descriptiveness, public morality, or misleading content, following relevant sections of the Trademark Act, 2009 and Rules, 2015
Timeline: 3–6 months.
Fee: None, if no objections arise
Objections: If raised, the applicant must respond within two months (extension possible), either in writing or via hearing

Step-2. Publication in the Trademarks Journal

Purpose: The accepted application is published to inform the public and invite oppositions.
Timeline: 2–5 months.
Official Fee: USD 37

Step-2A. Opposition Period

Window: Two months from publication, extendable by one month (up to 5 months total).
Fee: None if no opposition is filed
Process: Opponents may file objections; both sides present evidence and may attend hearings. If resolved favorably, the mark proceeds.

Step-3. Registration and Issuance of Certificate

Next Step: After clearing publication and opposition, pay the registration fee to secure the trademark.
Timeline: 1–4 months.
Official Fee: USD 243
Validity: 7 years from the filing or priority date.

Post-Registration: Renewal

Renewal Term: Every 10 years, indefinitely.
Official Fee: USD 243 per renewal
Grace Period: 6 months after expiry, with a late renewal surcharge
Restoration: If both the expiry and grace period are missed, you may apply for restoration within one year (depending on DPDT’s discretion)
Documents Required: TM‑12/TM‑17 renewal form, registration details, proof of payment, and a scanned POA

8. Optional: Association Fee (for Linked Marks)

What It Is: If DPDT deems your mark “associated” with an existing one of yours (similar in design or wording), you'll receive a demand.
Fee: USD 15 per cited mark.
Due: Payment must be made within 30 days of the demand notice to avoid rejection or loss of rights

Timeline & Cost Summary

Stage	Timeline	Official Fee (USD)
Trademark Search	2–20 working days	$27
Filing Application	1–2 working days	$61 + $15 POA
Examination	3–6 months	Free if no objections
Publication	2–5 months	$37
Registration	1–4 months	$243
Renewal (10-year term)	3–6 months	$243
Association Fee (if applicable)	—	$15 per mark

Total Approximate Timeline (if smooth): 12–18 months from filing to registration.
Cost Estimate: ~$383 initial (includes search, filing, and registration).

Why Use an IP Professional?

Navigating trademark law requires precision in classification, application drafting, managing objections, and deadlines. A local IP attorney or agent ensures: