The short answer
To register an industrial design in Bangladesh, file with the DPDT under the Industrial Design Act, 2023 (Act No. 22 of 2023). The design must be new, distinctive and industrially applicable. After examination, publication and a 30-day opposition window, you receive a certificate. Protection runs 10 years, renewable to 25. Foreign owners need a local design representative.
What is an industrial design?
An industrial design is the visual appearance of an industrially produced product: its shape, lines, colours, graphic user interface, lettering and ornament. It protects how a product looks, not how it works.
Section 5
Novel
Not disclosed anywhere in the world before the filing or priority date.
Section 5
Distinctive
Visibly different from known designs. Rearranging known parts is not enough.
Section 5
Industrial
Can be made by an industrial process, not a one-off handmade item.
Not registrable (Section 4): purely functional designs, designs harmful to public order, environment or morality, and designs using national symbols. Unregistered designs have no protection. See what designs are not protected.
Who can apply?
The designer, an assignee, the legal representative of a deceased designer, joint designers, or an authorised person for a company (Section 7). An employee design made under a contract for design work belongs to the employer unless the contract says otherwise (Section 6(4)). Applicants based outside Bangladesh must appoint a local design representative (Section 32).
Industrial design registration in 4 steps
File the application
- Prescribed form and fee; 2 to 4 views (front, top, side, perspective) or a sample for 2D designs
- Locarno class of the article, and a justification if you are not the designer
- Optional statement of novelty and priority documents
- Several articles in one application only if the design is identical on all
Examination
- Formal check of documents, fee and image clarity
- Substantive check of novelty, distinctiveness, exclusions and conflicting designs
- No reply to a deficiency or objection means the application is deemed withdrawn
Publication and opposition
- The accepted design is published on the DPDT website or e-Gazette
- Anyone may oppose in writing with the fee; if none, it proceeds to registration
- An upheld opposition means refusal
Registration certificate
- Entered in the Register of Designs and certificate issued
- Refusal can be appealed to the Government within 60 days, then to the High Court Division within 60 days
Term and renewal
| Period | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Years 1 to 10 | Initial term from filing or priority date; no renewal needed |
| Years 11 to 15 | 1st renewal, apply before expiry |
| Years 16 to 20 | 2nd renewal |
| Years 21 to 25 | 3rd renewal, the last |
If you miss the expiry date, a 6-month grace period applies with a late fee. After that the registration lapses. See renewal.
Rights and enforcement
The owner may stop others from making, selling, offering, supplying or importing articles carrying the design (Section 13), and may assign or license it (Sections 19 and 20; record both with the DPDT). Limits apply for private, educational, experimental and purely functional uses, and for foreign vehicles temporarily in Bangladesh (Section 14).
Section 22
Administrative route
Apply to the Director General for compensation and forfeiture. Payment within 10 working days of the order.
Sections 23 to 26
District Court
Injunction, damages of Tk. 1 lakh to Tk. 10 lakh, and seizure or destruction of infringing goods.
Foreign applicants
- Appoint a local design representative (Section 32)
- Claim Paris priority within 6 months, with a certified copy of the first filing (Section 8)
- Bangladesh is not in the Hague System, so file nationally with the DPDT
- Locarno classification applies
Industrial design questions
How is a design different from a trademark?
A trademark identifies the source of goods. A design protects the product's appearance. One product can have both.
How long does registration take?
Usually 6 months to 1.5 years, depending on examination and opposition.
What if I show my design before filing?
Public disclosure before the filing or priority date usually destroys novelty. A disclosure by a third party without your consent is not counted against you.
Can a registered design be cancelled?
Yes. Within 2 years of registration, anyone may apply to the Director General under Section 16. After that, go to the High Court Division.
What does a licence need?
A written agreement signed by both parties and recorded with the DPDT. An unrecorded licence creates no rights against third parties.
Need to register a design in Bangladesh?
SUPREMEiP® files and enforces industrial designs in Bangladesh for local and foreign owners. Send us images of your product.
