The short answer
To register a trademark in Bangladesh, file a single-class application with the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Trademarks Act, 2009. Foreign owners must file through a local agent or law firm. Expect 12 to 24 months from filing to registration. Registration lasts 7 years, then renews every 10 years.
Who can apply for a trademark in Bangladesh?
Any individual or company that owns or intends to use a mark, local or foreign, has the same right to register.
Local owners
File online at the DPDT
Bangladeshi individuals and businesses can apply directly. An IP lawyer is not required, but it helps avoid procedural errors.
Foreign owners
Appoint a local agent
A local trademark agent or law firm must act for you throughout. A scanned, signed Power of Attorney is enough; notarization is not needed.
Trademark registration in Bangladesh: the steps
Search (optional, recommended)
- Checks the DPDT register for identical or similar marks (Form TM-04 for the formal search)
- Cuts the risk of an objection or opposition later
File the application
- Applicant name, address and nationality; the mark (JPEG for a logo)
- One Nice class per application; English translation if the mark has non-English text
- Power of Attorney; priority details if you claim Paris Convention priority (within 6 months)
Examination by the Registrar
- The Registrar checks distinctiveness and conflicts with earlier marks
- Result: acceptance, objection or refusal
- An objection must be answered within 2 months
Publication in the Trademarks Journal
- DPDT sends notice TMR-05; pay within 1 month and file Form TMR-09
- Late payment can stall or end the application
Opposition window
- Anyone may oppose within 2 months of publication
- If opposed, you must file a counter-statement within 2 months or the application is abandoned
Registration
- The mark is entered in the Register and the certificate is issued
- Registration is backdated to the filing date, or the priority date if one is claimed
Timing. The whole process normally takes 12 to 24 months. It depends on DPDT workload and on whether an objection or opposition arises.
| Stage | Official fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Search (optional) | 27 |
| Filing | 76 |
| Publication | 37 |
| Registration | 243 |
| Total official fees, excluding search and lawyer fees | ≈ 356 |
How long does a registration last?
Under Section 22 of the Trademarks Act, 2009 the first registration term is 7 years. Each renewal then runs for 10 years, and there is no limit on renewals. A removed mark can be restored within 1 year.
Count from the filing date, not the certificate. Under Section 20, the registration date is your filing date, or your priority date if you claim one. Calculate the 7-year term and the renewal deadline from that date. See our guide to trademark renewal in Bangladesh.
What registration gives you
Use
Exclusive right
Sole use of the mark for your registered class across Bangladesh.
Enforce
Court action
Sue in the District Court for injunctions, damages and destruction of infringing goods. See infringement remedies.
Border
Customs seizure
Ask Customs to seize imported goods that carry a false mark.
Proof
Prima facie evidence
Registration is evidence of ownership. After 7 years, validity becomes conclusive.
Foreign
Paris and WTO
Bangladesh is a Paris Convention and WTO member, so priority claims are available.
What if the DPDT raises an objection?
Reply within 2 months of the examination report, with arguments and evidence. The Registrar may accept the mark, refuse it or call a hearing. An appeal against the decision lies within 1 month.
- Section 6: no invented word
- Section 8: absolute grounds, such as non-distinctive, deceptive or contrary to law
- Section 9: descriptive, generic, personal or geographical names
- Section 10: similar to an earlier mark, the most common objection
- Sections 67 and 120: country-of-origin proof, and translation or transliteration certificate for marks not in English or Bengali
Details and reply strategy: trademark objection in Bangladesh. For opposition, see trademark opposition.
Trademark registration in Bangladesh: common questions
How long does trademark registration take in Bangladesh?
Normally 12 to 24 months from filing to registration. An objection or opposition can add time.
How much does it cost?
Official fees for one class are about USD 356: filing USD 76, publication USD 37 and registration USD 243. Search (optional) has an official fee of USD 27, and our all-in search cost is USD 100 to 150. Lawyer fees are extra.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Bangladesh?
Yes, with the same rights as a local owner. It must appoint a local agent or law firm. A scanned, signed Power of Attorney is enough.
Can one application cover several classes?
No. Bangladesh accepts one class per application, so each class needs its own application and fees.
Is a trademark search mandatory?
No, but it is strongly advised. An informal check takes about 2 days and a formal search report 20 to 30 working days.
How long is a Bangladesh trademark valid?
The first term is 7 years, counted from the filing or priority date. Each renewal lasts 10 years.
What is convention priority?
If you filed in a Paris Convention country, you can file in Bangladesh within 6 months and keep the earlier filing date. After 6 months the right is lost.
Register your trademark with SUPREMEiP®
We file and protect trademarks worldwide and manage the whole process in Bangladesh. Ask for a search, a filing quote or a free trademark status check.
Trademark in Bangladesh
