Learn how to register a trademark in Bangladesh — full step-by-step guide covering fees, timelines, examination, opposition, registration date & renewal rules.
How to Register a Trademark in Bangladesh
A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Domestic and Foreign Applicants
What Is a Trademark and Why Does It Matter?
A trademark is any distinctive word, symbol, phrase, logo, or combination that sets your goods or services apart from competitors. In Bangladesh, your trademark is a powerful legal tool — it gives you the exclusive right to use your brand identity and prevents others from copying or misusing it.
Trademarks in Bangladesh are governed by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), operating under the Ministry of Industries. The principal laws are the Trademarks Act, 2009 and the Trademark Rules, 2015.
What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?
- →Brand names and words
- →Logos and device marks
- →Slogans and taglines
- →Combination marks (word + logo)
- →Colour combinations (when used as a mark)
A mark will be refused if it is identical or deceptively similar to an existing registered mark; descriptive or generic; contrary to public morality or law; or likely to deceive or cause confusion.
Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration?
Bangladeshi individuals or businesses may apply directly at the DPDT online portal.
Must appoint a local trademark agent or law firm to represent them throughout the entire process.
Complete Registration Process & Stage Chart
Total timeline: 7–18 months · Total official cost: approx. USD $356
- ·Search the DPDT online database for identical or similar marks
- ·Bangladesh uses the NICE International Classification
- ·Reduces risk of objections and saves time and money
- ·Applicant's full name, address, and nationality
- ·Trademark name or logo (JPEG format for logo marks)
- ·Class of goods/services under NICE Classification
- ·Power of Attorney (scanned copy; no notarization required)
- ·Priority claim details (if claiming Paris Convention priority)
- ·English translation if the mark contains non-English text
- ·Foreign applicants must appoint a local agent before filing
Ordinary Application — protection within Bangladesh only. Convention Priority Application — filed under Paris Convention within 6 months, backdated to foreign filing date.
- ·Registrar reviews distinctiveness and capability for registration
- ·DPDT checks for conflicts with existing registered or pending marks
- ·Outcome: Acceptance, Objection, or Rejection
- ·If objected, applicant must respond within two months
Submit a counter-statement with supporting arguments within 2 months. Engaging an IP lawyer significantly improves your chances of success.
- ·DPDT sends a TM-5 notice indicating the publication fee amount
- ·Pay the publication fee within one month of receiving TM-5
- ·Submit Form TM-9 along with the payment
- ·Trademark published in the official Bangladesh Trademarks Journal
Failure to pay the publication fee on time may result in stalling or rejection of your entire application.
- ·Any person may file opposition within 2 months of journal publication
- ·No extensions permitted — deadline strictly enforced
- ·If opposed, submit counter-statement within 2 months or application is abandoned
- ·If no opposition, mark proceeds directly to registration
- ·Registrar enters the trademark in the official Register
- ·Registration backdated to original filing date (or priority date)
- ·Certificate of Registration issued under seal of the Registry
- ·Initial registration valid for 7 years from the registration date
- ·Apply before the expiry of the current registration period
- ·After initial 7-year term, each renewal covers 10 years
- ·No limit — trademark can remain protected indefinitely
- ·Removed trademark can be restored within 1 year of removal
Official Cost Summary
| Stage | Timeline | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Step: Trademark Search | 2–20 working days | $27 |
| Stage 1: Filing Application | 1–2 working days | $76 |
| Stage 1A: Examination | 3–6 months | Free |
| Stage 2: Publication | 2–5 months | $37 |
| Stage 2A: Opposition Period | 2 months (max 5) | Free |
| Stage 3: Registration | 1–4 months | $243 |
| TOTAL OFFICIAL COST | ≈ $356 | |
Trademark Validity & Renewal
Under Section 22 of the Trademarks Act 2009, a registered trademark is initially protected for 7 years — an unusual term compared to many countries which start at 10 years. Track your renewal deadline carefully from the filing or priority date.
The certificate issuance date is NOT the registration date. Your 7-year protection runs from the filing date or priority date — not from when the certificate was printed. Always calculate your renewal deadline from the filing date.
Rights Granted by Trademark Registration
Exclusive right to use the mark for the registered class(es) across Bangladesh.
Right to file suit in the District Court against anyone using a deceptively similar mark.
Courts can grant injunctions, award damages, and order destruction of infringing goods.
Can be assigned, licensed, or used as collateral — real commercial value beyond legal protection.
Registration is prima facie evidence of ownership. After 7 years, validity becomes conclusive.
Right to request Customs to seize goods bearing false trademarks on importation.
What Foreign Businesses Need to Know
Bangladesh is a member of both the Paris Convention and the WTO. This means:
- →Paris Convention priority can be claimed if you file within 6 months of your original foreign application
- →All foreign applicants must appoint a local trademark agent or law firm
- →Power of Attorney required — notarization not needed; scanned signed copy is sufficient
- →If your mark contains non-English text, an English translation must be provided
Key Tips for a Successful Application
Conduct a thorough trademark search before filing — it is the best investment you can make.
File in the correct NICE class(es). Filing in the wrong class provides no protection for your actual goods or services.
Respond to examination objections promptly. The two-month response window is firm.
Pay the TM-5 publication fee within one month — missing this deadline puts your entire application at risk.
Monitor the opposition window after publication and be ready to defend your mark if challenged.
Track your 7-year renewal deadline from the filing date — not from the certificate issuance date.
Engage an experienced IP law firm for objection handling — legal expertise can be the difference between registration and rejection.
Need Help Registering Your Trademark?
SUPREMEiP Bangladesh offers end-to-end IP services — search, filing, examination, objection handling, opposition defense, and renewal.
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