Why Trademarks in Bangladesh Stay Pending for So Long
One big reason trademarks in Bangladesh remain pending for years is because many foreign companies wrongly treat Bangladesh as if it is just a legal extension of India or Pakistan. Instead of directly hiring a professional Bangladeshi IP law firm, they often route their trademark and patent work through Indian or Pakistani firms.
This practice creates serious problems, increases the backlog at the Department of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (DPDT), and harms Bangladesh’s reputation in the global IP system.
Problems Caused by Indian and Pakistani Firms
- Hiring low-quality agents
These firms often do not hire proper Bangladeshi lawyers. Instead, they use unqualified “agents” just to cut costs. This leads to wrong filings, incomplete papers, and unnecessary mistakes. - Delayed or unpaid fees
Many Indian and Pakistani firms delay payments to Bangladeshi agents, and sometimes they do not pay at all. When official fees are not deposited, the application gets stuck. - Sudden agent switching
It is very common for these firms to suddenly change their Bangladeshi agent without clearing old dues. This creates confusion, repeated work, and even missed deadlines. - Weak follow-up
After filing, many cases are left without proper follow-up. Notices, hearing schedules, and deadlines are missed, and applications remain pending for years. - Poor communication
Since the client deals only with the Indian or Pakistani firm, Bangladeshi agents have no direct contact with the actual company. This creates a communication gap, and clients often don’t know the real status of their case.
SUPREMEiP, Bangladesh
How This Affects Bangladesh
- Bigger backlog at DPDT – Thousands of applications remain stuck due to mismanagement.
- Bad reputation – Foreign companies think Bangladesh’s IP system is weak, though the real problem is the middlemen.
- Unfair to local lawyers – Skilled Bangladeshi IP law firms are ignored, while cheap and unreliable agents are used.
Why Companies Should Work Directly with Bangladeshi Firms
By working with a professional Bangladeshi IP law firm, foreign companies can ensure:
- Correct and timely filing
- Proper payment of official fees
- Regular follow-up with DPDT
- Direct and clear communication
- Faster results and stronger protection of their trademark rights
Conclusion
The delay in trademark registration in Bangladesh is not only because of the DPDT backlog but also because of the poor practices of Indian and Pakistani IP firms. Hiring unqualified agents, delaying or avoiding payments, and suddenly switching representatives all create serious problems.
The solution is simple: foreign companies should directly hire professional Bangladeshi IP law firms. This will reduce delays, improve efficiency, and protect Bangladesh’s reputation in the international IP field.
SUPREMEiP, Bangladesh
FAQ
Q1: Why do trademarks in Bangladesh take so long to register?
A: Besides the backlog at the DPDT, many delays happen because foreign companies use Indian or Pakistani firms, who often hire low-quality agents, delay payments, and do not follow up properly.
Q2: What problems do Indian and Pakistani firms create in Bangladesh?
A: They often hire unqualified agents, delay or avoid paying fees, suddenly switch agents, and fail to follow up on office notices. This causes applications to remain pending for years.
Q3: How does this affect Bangladesh’s reputation?
A: It makes foreign companies think the Bangladesh IP system is weak, even though the real problem is poor handling by intermediary firms.
Q4: What is the solution for foreign companies?
A: The best way is to work directly with professional Bangladeshi IP law firms. This ensures correct filing, timely payment, proper follow-up, and faster results.
