The short answer
To get a patent in Bangladesh, file with the DPDT under the Bangladesh Patent Act, 2023 (in force since 27 February 2025). Your invention must be new, inventive and industrially applicable. Expect 2 to 4 years from filing to a Letter of Patent, and a 20-year term from the filing date. Foreign applicants must file through a registered local patent representative.
What can be patented?
Section 2(10)
Novelty
Not publicly disclosed anywhere in the world before the priority date.
Section 2(7)
Inventive step
A technical advance that is not obvious to a skilled person.
Section 2(19)
Industrial use
Can be made or used in any industry.
Not patentable: theories, business methods, computer programs, medical treatment methods, plant and animal varieties, atomic energy inventions, and (for now) pharmaceutical and agrochemical products. See the full exclusion list.
Who can apply, and how
The inventor, the inventor's assignee or legal representative, joint inventors, and often the employer may apply (Section 4). Bangladeshi applicants can file directly. Foreign applicants must appoint a registered patent representative (Section 64). Bangladesh is not a PCT member, so every filing is a national application.
Option A
Provisional first
File a provisional specification to fix a date, then the complete specification within 12 months.
Option B
Complete directly
File the complete specification with claims, abstract and drawings.
Option C
Paris priority
File within 12 months of your first foreign filing and claim its date.
Patent registration in 9 steps
File the application
- Form, specification, claims, abstract, drawings, power of attorney, inventor declaration
- INN disclosure for pharmaceutical inventions within 30 days; origin of biological resources and traditional knowledge
Request examination
- Examination is not automatic
- If missed, the application is deemed abandoned
Formality and prior art examination
- Completeness checks, then a novelty and inventive step search
- Deficiencies must be fixed or the application is abandoned
First publication
- Early publication is possible for an extra fee
- Until publication the invention is not prior art against others
Pre-grant opposition
- No grant before 6 months after publication. Anyone may oppose with evidence, for example on novelty or an undisclosed foreign filing (Section 15)
- The Director General hears both sides and gives a reasoned order
Grant or refusal
- The Director General tells you the decision in writing as soon as possible
- You can respond or appeal
Second publication
- The granted patent is published and the post-grant window opens
Post-grant opposition
- Section 20: any interested person may challenge with evidence
- The Director General can maintain, amend or revoke the patent
Fee and certificate of grant
- Pay the prescribed fee and receive the grant certificate; the patent is entered in the register
- Rights are fully enforceable from this point
What the complete specification must contain
- A full, clear technical description for a skilled person (Section 8(6))
- The best method of working the invention known at filing
- One or more claims, clear and supported by the description
- An abstract of up to 300 words
- Drawings where needed
- Source and origin of biological resources and traditional knowledge, if used
Term, annuities and rights
A patent lasts 20 years from filing (Section 28). An annual fee keeps the patent in force. The fee can be paid up to 3 months late with a late fee, and a lapsed patent can be restored within 2 years after the renewal deadline (Section 28). Check the fee schedule with the DPDT. Details: patent annuity.
The owner may stop others making, using, importing or selling the invention, and may license or assign it. Infringement suits go to the District Court (enforcement). Private, research, teaching and regulatory-approval uses are exceptions.
Extra points for foreign applicants
- Appoint a registered local patent representative (Sections 64 and 67)
- Claim Paris priority within 12 months of the first foreign filing
- Disclose foreign filings under Section 15: at filing or within 90 days, then every 6 months until grant or refusal
- Applications on national-security subjects stay confidential and cannot be filed abroad without DPDT clearance
Ten tips for a smooth application
- File before any public disclosure
- Use a provisional filing to secure an early date
- Draft claims carefully with a patent attorney
- Diarise the 36-month examination deadline
- Disclose foreign filings promptly
- Watch publication at 18 months and the 6-month opposition window
- Pay annuities on time
- Declare biological resource origins
- Prepare evidence early in case of opposition
- Use an IP firm familiar with the 2023 procedures
Patent registration questions
When did the Bangladesh Patent Act, 2023 take effect?
On 27 February 2025. It repealed the Bangladesh Patent Act, 2022 (Section 71).
How long does patent registration take?
In our experience 2 to 4 years, depending on examination, publication and opposition.
What is the deadline to request examination?
36 months from filing, extendable by up to 3 months with a late fee.
What are the two opposition stages?
Pre-grant (Section 19, after first publication and before grant; no grant earlier than 6 months after publication) and post-grant (Section 20, within 24 months of the publication of the grant).
Can a foreign company apply?
Yes, through a registered local patent representative. Bangladesh is a Paris Convention member but not a PCT member.
Are pharmaceutical products patentable?
Not currently. They are excluded under Section 6(2) under the TRIPS least developed country exemption, which the government can change by gazette notification.
Need help with a patent in Bangladesh?
SUPREMEiP® drafts, files and prosecutes patents in Bangladesh for local and foreign applicants. Send us your invention summary.
