In Bangladesh, the protection and enforcement of trademark rights are governed by the Trademarks Act, 2009. One of the critical aspects of trademark law is the concept of non-use cancellation, which allows third parties to challenge the validity of a trademark that has not been used for a specified period. This article explores the Non-Use Grace Period Deadline, the process of canceling a non-use trademark, and the legal implications for trademark owners in Bangladesh.
◻️ Legal Grounds for Trademark Cancellation
Trademark cancellation may be initiated for several reasons, as stipulated under the Trademarks Act. These include:
- Non-use: If the trademark has not been used in Bangladesh for a continuous period of five years from the date of registration.
- Lack of bona fide intention: When the mark was registered without genuine intent to use it in the marketplace. (Section 51) Learn More
- Infringement of rights: If the trademark infringes upon earlier rights of another party.
- Non-compliance with conditions: When the trademark owner fails to observe or comply with conditions entered in the trademark register.
Understanding these grounds is fundamental for determining whether a petition for cancellation may be valid.
📝 Non-Use Grace Period Deadline: What Does It Mean?
In Bangladesh, the Non-Use Grace Period is a procedure under trademark law that gives trademark owners 5 years from the filing date (or priority date, if claimed) to start using their trademark in the market.
This means that you must use the trademark in real business before the 5-year period ends. If the trademark is not used continuously for five years, then any third party can apply to cancel the registration for non-use.
So in short:
- You get a 5-year window to begin using your trademark.
- But if it's not used within that time, your mark can be cancelled.
- This procedure protects the trademark system from unused or inactive marks.
Trademark owners must make sure the mark is in use before the deadline to keep their rights safe.
📝 Legal Framework for Non-Use Cancellation of a Trademark in Bangladesh:
Section 42 of the Trademarks Act, 2009, provides the legal basis for canceling a trademark due to non-use. According to this provision, a trademark can be removed from the register if it has not been used for five years from the date of registration or the date it was last used. This process is typically initiated by a third party, such as a competitor or an interested individual, who files a petition for cancellation.
✅ SECTION 42(1)(a): No Genuine Intention + No Use After Registration
🔹 What This Means:
If the person or company who applied for trademark registration never had a genuine (bona fide) intention to use it for their goods or services AND they did not actually use the trademark up to 1 month before the date of filing the cancellation application — the trademark is eligible for cancellation.
🔸 Bengali Legal Reference (Clause a):
“পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধনের আবদেনকারী বা ধারা ৪১ এর অধীন গঠনাধীন কোম্পানীর সৎ উদ্দেশ্য না থাকা সত্ত্বেও, সংশ্লিষ্ট পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধন করা হইয়াছে এবং আবেদন দাখিলের পূর্ববর্তী ১(এক) মাস পর্যন্ত আবেদনকারী বা উক্ত কোম্পানী কর্তৃক উক্ত পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক সৎ উদ্দেশ্যে ব্যবহার করা হয় নাই।”
📘 Example:
Company A registers a trademark called "HERBACO" in 2020 for herbal soap, but:
- They had no real intention to launch the product, AND
- The trademark was never used in any advertisement, label, packaging, or sales till 2025.
In this case, any aggrieved person can file an application to cancel the registration.
✅ SECTION 42(1)(b): No Use for 5 Years or More
🔷 What This Means:
A registered trademark in Bangladesh can be cancelled if:
- It has not been used genuinely for a continuous period of 5 years or more after registration;
- And, this period of non-use continues up to one month before the filing of the cancellation application.
🕒 Important Note on Time Calculation:
In Bangladesh:
- If no priority is claimed, the filing date is treated as the registration date.
- If priority is claimed, the priority date will be treated as the effective registration date.
So, the 5-year non-use period is calculated from the earlier of these two dates.
🔸 Bengali Legal Reference (Clause b):
“ট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধিত হইবার পরবর্তী ৫(পাঁচ) বৎসর বা তদূর্ধ্ব সময় পর্যন্ত উক্ত পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক আবেদনকারী বা কোম্পানী কর্তৃক সৎ উদ্দেশ্যে ব্যবহার করা হয় নাই।”
📘 Example:
The trademark "DREAMY MILK" was registered in 2017 (filing date).
However, since 2018, it has not been used at all for any product or marketing.
In this case:
- The 5-year non-use period is from 2018 to 2023.
- Any aggrieved competitor or party may file a cancellation request in 2024, as per Section 42(1)(b), because the 5-year non-use rule is satisfied.
🚫 When Cancellation Cannot Be Claimed under Section 42
Even if someone files an application under Section 42(1) to cancel a registered trademark, the Tribunal (or Registrar or Court) may reject that cancellation request if either of the following two situations exist:
✅ Section 42(2)(a): Identical or Similar Trademark Was Permitted Under Section 10
If the person who is now trying to cancel the trademark had already been allowed to register an identical or similar mark under Section 10, their application for cancellation can be refused.
✔️ What is Section 10?
Section 10 allows multiple parties to register similar or nearly identical marks for the same kind of goods or services, under special conditions (e.g., honest concurrent use).
Under Section 10(2) of the Bangladesh Trademarks Act:
The Registrar may allow more than one person to register identical or nearly similar trademarks for the same or similar goods or services, if:There is honest concurrent use, orThere are special circumstances,And such registration is allowed with appropriate conditions and limitations.
✔️ Bengali Legal Reference (Section 10(2)):
“সৎ উদ্দেশ্যে যুগপৎ ব্যবহার বা অন্য কোন বিশেষ কারণে একই পণ্য বা সেবা অথবা একই বর্ণনার পণ্য বা সেবা প্রায় সাদৃশ্যপূর্ণ হইলেও উক্ত বিষয়ে কোন ট্রেডমার্ক একাধিক স্বত্বাধিকারীর নামে নিবন্ধন করা প্রয়োজন বিবেচনায় নিবন্ধক, উপযুক্ত শর্ত ও সীমাবদ্ধতা সাপেক্ষে, একাধিক স্বত্বাধিকারীর নামে কোন ট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধনের অনুমতি দিতে পারিবেন।”
✔️ Example:
Two companies —
- "Super Ice" (Dhaka) and
- "Super Ice" (Chattogram) —
have been selling ice cream for years in different parts of Bangladesh, without conflict.
Both apply to register the name “Super Ice”.
If the Registrar is satisfied that both companies have been using it honestly and independently, he may allow both trademarks under Section 10(2) — but with conditions, like:
- Limiting one to Dhaka only,
- Limiting the other to Chattogram only.
✔️ Why Is Section 10 Important in Cancellation Cases?
As per Section 42(2)(a), if a person trying to cancel someone else's trademark was already permitted under Section 10 to register a similar mark, they cannot later turn around and file a cancellation.
That would be unfair — because both parties had been allowed to co-exist under Section 10.
✅ Section 42(2)(b): There Was Bona-Fide Use of the Trademark
If the Tribunal believes that the trademark was actually used in good faith (bona fide) by the owner — either:
- Before the relevant date, or
- During the 5-year period of alleged non-use,
then the cancellation application will be rejected.
✔️ Example:
Trademark "FRESHLOOK" was used in a national campaign in 2021, even if not used again afterward. If a cancellation application is filed in 2024, the Tribunal may reject it because there was some bona fide use within the 5-year period.
✔️ Bangla Reference (From Image):
“(ক) ধারা ১০ এর অধীন আবেদনকারীকে অভিন্ন বা প্রায় সদৃশপূর্ণ পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্কের নিবন্ধনের অনুমতি প্রদান করা হয়, অথবা
(খ) ট্রাইব্যুনালের নিকট প্রতীয়মান হয় যে, উক্ত পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক, নির্ধারিত তারিখ বা মেয়াদের মধ্যে, আবেদনকারী বা কোম্পানী কর্তৃক সৎ উদ্দেশ্যে ব্যবহার করা হইয়াছে।”
✅ SECTION 42(3): Limitation of Trademark Rights Instead of Full Cancellation
Sometimes, instead of fully cancelling a trademark, the Tribunal or Registrar may decide to impose a limitation on how and where the trademark can be used. This usually happens when the mark is not being used in a specific region or market.
✔️ What This Means:
If a person believes a trademark is not being used in certain areas of Bangladesh or not being exported to certain foreign markets, they may file an application before:
- The High Court Division, or
- The Registrar,
to restrict the trademark's scope only to areas where it has been genuinely used.
✅ Section 42(3)(a): No Use in Specific Place or Market
If a registered trademark is not being used:
- In a specific place in Bangladesh, or
- In a particular export market abroad,
for a continuous 5-year period or longer,
then the Tribunal may decide to limit the trademark so that it doesn’t cover those unused areas.
✔️ Example:
A company registers the trademark “BANGA BISCUIT” for snacks in 2015.
- It has only been sold in Dhaka, not in Sylhet or exported to India.
- Since 2016, it hasn’t been marketed or sold in Sylhet or India.
In 2023, a local Sylhet-based distributor may apply to the Registrar, and the trademark may be restricted to Dhaka only — not Sylhet or India.
✅ Section 42(3) (b): Multiple Registrations of Similar Marks (Section 10)
If more than one party has been allowed to register similar or identical trademarks under Section 10, and
- One or more of them have not used the trademark for the permitted purpose (e.g., sale/export/marketing),
then the unused registration(s) may be limited accordingly.
✔️ Example:
Three companies were allowed to register “SWEET DROP” for soft drinks under Section 10:
- Company A for Dhaka,
- Company B for Chattogram,
- Company C for export to Malaysia.
If Company B hasn’t used the mark for 5 years in Chattogram, the Tribunal can limit its registration only to Dhaka and Malaysia.
✔️ Bangla Legal Reference (From Image):
“যদি কোন সংক্ষুব্ধ ব্যক্তি নির্ধারিত কোন কারণে হাইকোর্ট বিভাগে বা নিবন্ধকের নিকট, নির্ধারিত পদ্ধতিতে আবেদন করেন, তাহা হইলে ট্রাইবুনাল সংশ্লিষ্ট পণ্য বা সেবার নিবন্ধিত ট্রেডমার্কের ব্যবহারে বন্ধ করিবার লক্ষ্যে সীমাবদ্ধতা আরোপ করিতে পারিবে-
(ক) পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক বিক্রয়ের উদ্দেশ্যে বা অন্যভাবে বাংলাদেশের কোন নির্দিষ্ট স্থানে ব্যবহারের উদ্দেশ্যে রপ্তানি করিবার উদ্দেশ্যে নিবন্ধিত হইয়াছে, কিন্তু নিবন্ধিত হইবার পরবর্তী ৫(পাঁচ) বৎসর বা তদূর্ধ্ব সময় পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক আবেদনকারী বা কোম্পানী কর্তৃক সৎ উদ্দেশ্যে ব্যবহার করা হয় নাই; অথবা
(খ) ধারা ১০ এর অধীন একাধিক ব্যক্তিকে অভিন্ন বা প্রায় সদৃশ্যপূর্ণ পণ্য বা সেবার ট্রেডমার্ক নিবন্ধনের অনুমতি প্রদান করা হইয়াছে, এবং উক্ত বিক্রয়ের উদ্দেশ্যে বা অন্যভাবে রপ্তানি করিবার উদ্দেশ্যে ব্যবহার করা হয় নাই।”
✅ Section 42(4): Non-Use Cannot Be a Ground for Cancellation in Certain Special Cases
Sometimes, even if a trademark has not been used, the Tribunal (or Registrar or Court) cannot cancel the registration if there is a valid reason for non-use.
These valid reasons are called “special circumstances” under the law.
✔️ What This Means:
If the trademark was not used because of:
- Special and unavoidable circumstances, and
- The trademark owner did not intend to abandon the mark or the business,
then non-use cannot be used as a ground for cancellation under:
- Section 42(1)(b): 5-year non-use, or
- Section 42(2): Tribunal’s decision.
✔️ Bangla Legal Reference (from image):
“উপ-ধারা (১) এর দফা (খ) বা উপ-ধারা (২) এর উদ্দেশ্য পূরণকল্পে, আবেদনকারী কর্তৃক ট্রেডমার্কের ব্যবহার না করাকে এইরূপ যুক্তি হিসাবে উপস্থাপন করা যাইবে না, যাহা—
(ক) বিশেষ পরিস্থিতির কারণে ঘটিয়াছে, এবং
(খ) ব্যবসায় পরিত্যাগের ইচ্ছা বা ট্রেডমার্ক ব্যবহার না করিবার কারণে ঘটে নাই।”
✔️ Simple Interpretation:
You cannot cancel a trademark just because it wasn't used, if:
- The non-use happened due to special situations (e.g., war, lockdowns, import/export bans), and
- The owner did not abandon the business or trademark intentionally.
✔️ Examples of Special Circumstances:
| Situation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Government bans | The government banned imports or sales of the product |
| 🦠 Pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) | Lockdowns or disruptions paused business |
| ⚔️ Political unrest or war | Business could not operate due to safety concerns |
| 📜 Licensing delays | Required approvals or permissions were delayed by authorities |
✔️ Examples Where This Clause Does Not Apply:
| Situation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 🚫 Business was shut down intentionally | The owner closed the business permanently |
| ❌ Owner had no plan to use the trademark | Trademark was filed just to block others |
| 💤 Trademark remained inactive for years without valid excuse | No evidence of effort to use the mark |
📊 Summary Table: Section 42(2)–(4) of the Bangladesh Trademark Act
| Section | Clause | Ground | Effect / Tribunal’s Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42(2) | (a) | Applicant has already been allowed to register a similar mark under Section 10 | ✅ Cancellation application will be refused |
| (b) | Tribunal is satisfied there has been bona fide use before relevant date | ✅ Cancellation application will be refused | |
| 42(3) | (a) | Trademark not used in a specific part of Bangladesh or specific export market for 5+ years | 🔁 Use may be restricted only to areas where it is being used |
| (b) | Multiple registrations allowed under Section 10, but one or more not used | 🔁 Scope of such unused registrations may be limited | |
| 42(4) | (a) | Non-use was due to special circumstances (e.g., war, pandemic, ban) | ❌ Non-use cannot be used as ground for cancellation |
| (b) | Non-use was not due to intention to abandon business | ❌ Non-use cannot be used as ground for cancellation |
✔️ Conclusion
Section 42 of the Bangladesh Trademark Act allows trademarks to be removed if they’re not used properly. But cancellation is not automatic. The law protects both genuine business owners and the public by:
- Encouraging use of registered marks;
- Preventing blocking of marks by inactive owners;
- Giving exceptions for genuine non-use situations.
🔄 Step-by-Step Process of Trademark Cancellation in Bangladesh
Stage 1: Filing of Rectification and Counter-Statement
- The Opponent files Form TM-26 with the DPDT.
- The DPDT serves a copy to the trademark Applicant.
- The Applicant files a Counter-Statement (Form TM-06) within 2 months.
- ⛔ No time extension is permitted at either stage.
📌 In cases under Section 42 (non-use), the filing is usually initiated by an interested third party. Under Section 51, rectification can be filed any time after registration for reasons like bad faith, false information, or violation of conditions.
Stage 2: Submission of Evidence (Affidavit in Evidence)
Both sides must submit verified affidavits in support of their claims, along with supporting documents.
For the Opponent:
- 🔹 Legalized or apostilled affidavit of evidence
- 🔹 Proof of prior rights: earlier registrations, usage, business presence
- 🔹 Sales records, product packaging, online presence, and media mentions
- 🔹 Customer reviews, trade licenses, or business registration
For the Applicant:
- 🔹 Affidavit in defense of the registered mark
- 🔹 Sales, promotion, and branding materials
- 🔹 Proof of use in Bangladesh
- 🔹 Agreements, licenses, and financial documents
📮 Both parties must serve hard copies by registered post to each other.
📣 Optional Step: Counter-Affidavit
The Opponent may file a Counter-Affidavit within 1 month after receiving the Applicant’s evidence. This is optional but useful to:
- Respond to new claims or defenses
- Clarify evidence
- Reinforce the original claim
Stage 3: Hearing
- The DPDT issues a Hearing Notice (Form TMR-13).
- Both parties must confirm attendance by filing Form TM-07 within 14 days.
- A hearing date is fixed—more than one hearing may be required.
At the hearing:
- Both parties present oral arguments
- Respond to legal queries from the Registrar
- Submit clarifications or additional evidence (if permitted)
Stage 4: Decision and Appeal
- If the DPDT rules in favor of the Opponent, the trademark is cancelled, amended, or restricted.
- If the Applicant wins, the mark proceeds to remain registered.
- Any dissatisfied party may appeal to the High Court within 2 months from the Registrar’s order.
⏱️ Timeline
The entire rectification process typically takes 2 to 4 years, depending on:
- Case complexity
- Volume and strength of evidence
- Responsiveness of the parties
- Number of hearings required
📌 Final Words
Trademark Rectification in Bangladesh is a powerful legal remedy—but only if used correctly. Whether based on non-use, fraudulent registration, or infringement, the success of your rectification case depends heavily on:
- Strategic drafting of TM-26
- Properly legalized/apostilled evidence
- Compliance with timelines
- Professional legal guidance
👉 If you're considering initiating or defending a rectification case, consult with a qualified trademark attorney to ensure your rights are protected at every stage.
🌐 Legalization vs Apostille – What You Need to Know
Bangladesh now accepts both legalized and apostilled documents.
🔸 Legalization Process:
- Notarize the affidavit in your country.
- Attest it at the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission.
- Submit it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh for final verification.
🔸 Apostille Process:
- Available if your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
- No embassy involvement.
- One-page apostille certificate issued by your home government.
- Bangladesh joined the Apostille Convention on July 29, 2024, and began accepting apostilles on March 30, 2025.
✅ Using apostilles saves time, cost, and paperwork.
📝 Grounds for Non-Use Cancellation of Trademark in Bangladesh;
- The trademark has not been used continuously for five years.
- There is no legitimate reason for the non-use (e.g., legal or market-related obstacles).
📝 Important Considerations for Trademark Owners;
1. Genuine Use
- Trademark owners must demonstrate genuine use of the trademark in commerce in Bangladesh. Token use or minimal use may not be sufficient to defend against cancellation.
2. Special Circumstances
- If non-use is due to circumstances beyond the owner’s control (e.g., government restrictions, economic downturns), the Registrar may consider these as valid reasons for non-use.
3. Preventive Measures
- Regularly use the trademark in commerce to maintain its validity.
- Maintain records of use, such as sales invoices, advertisements, and marketing materials, to defend against potential cancellation claims.
- If the trademark is not used, consider filing an Affidavit of Intent to Use to justify the non-use.
📝 Consequences of Cancellation;
If a trademark is successfully removed from the register due to non-use:
- It becomes available for registration by other parties.
- The original owner loses exclusive rights to the mark in Bangladesh.
📝Practical Tips for Trademark Owners
- Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of sales, marketing, and promotional activities to demonstrate genuine trademark use.
- Monitor Deadlines: Be aware of the five-year grace period and ensure the trademark is used within this timeframe.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a qualified trademark attorney or legal expert to navigate the complexities of trademark law in Bangladesh.
By understanding the Non-Use Grace Period Deadline and the legal provisions surrounding non-use cancellation, trademark owners in Bangladesh can take proactive steps to protect their intellectual property rights and avoid potential disputes.
