Easy Guide: Understanding Association Fees in Bangladesh Trademark Filing
When an applicant files two or more trademarks in the same class that are similar or identical, the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) may later issue a notice asking for an Association Fee. Many people are surprised because this fee does not appear during filing, examination, or publication. It comes only after the trademark is accepted and the registration fee has been paid.
This simple guide explains why this happens and how the fee is calculated.
◻️ What is an Association Fee in Bangladesh?
When your trademark is published and you have already paid the registration fee, the DPDT conducts one final check before issuing the certificate. If they find that you already own another trademark in the same class that is similar in name, logo, or design, they will issue a Demand Notice asking you to pay an Association Fee.
Example
- Trademark 1: “FreshSip” (for soft drinks)
- Trademark 2: “FreshSip Zero” (for sugar-free soft drinks)
Both marks belong to the same owner in the same class, and the names are very similar. To avoid confusion and to keep both marks properly connected, the DPDT may list one of them as a “cited mark” and ask the owner to pay the Association Fee.
✅ Official Association Fee:
USD 15 per cited mark
(If more marks are cited, the amount will multiply: e.g., 3 cited marks → $15 × 3 = $45)
⚠️ Deadline:
The fee must be paid within 30 days.
If not paid on time, the application may be rejected, and you may lose your rights over the related trademarks.
◻️Why Does the Fee Come So Late?
DPDT does not show this fee during:
- Filing
- Examination
- Show-cause
- Publication
The system only checks for similar earlier marks after acceptance and after the registration fee is paid. That is why the demand notice appears suddenly and late, even when everything was already submitted.
No agent or applicant can know this earlier because DPDT detects the similarity only at this final internal check.
◻️ Will Every Application Receive a Demand Notice?
Not always.
Even when applications are similar, DPDT may issue notices only to some—not all.
This is because:
- The system checks similarity internally
- Notices come in batches
- Some marks may be linked; others may not
This uncertainty is normal under DPDT practice.
◻️ What Should Applicants Expect?
- The fee cannot be known in advance because DPDT discloses it only after acceptance and receipt of the registration fee deposit.
- If several similar marks are filed, association fees may appear.
- The official fee is $15 per cited mark — if more marks are cited, the amount increases.
- Payment must be made within 30 days to avoid the risk of abandonment.
◻️ Why is the Association Fee Required?
The association fee covers the DPDT’s legal and administrative costs of linking associated trademarks. By paying this fee, trademark owners:
- Ensure legal protection for all related trademarks.
- Prevent brand dilution or misuse by third parties.
- Keep their brand identity secure under Bangladesh trademark law.
◻️ What Happens if You Don’t Pay the Association Fee?
- The DPDT may reject the application for the associated trademark.
- Your trademark could lose legal protection.
- Competitors may exploit the gap, leading to infringement risks.
◻️Can You Register Multiple Associated Trademarks in Bangladesh?
Yes. Businesses can register multiple associated trademarks, provided:
- They are owned by the same individual or company, and
- They are similar in design, logo, or wording.
👉 Remember: An association fee of $15 must be paid for each cited mark.
◻️ How Do Associated Trademarks Benefit My Business?
Registering associated trademarks in Bangladesh helps your business by:
- ✅ Brand Protection – Prevents competitors from registering confusingly similar marks.
- ✅ Legal Security – Ensures your trademarks are fully recognized under the law.
- ✅ Market Clarity – Maintains a clear, unified brand image.
◻️Key Takeaways
- The association fee for trademarks in Bangladesh is $15 per mark.
- It must be paid within 30 days of DPDT’s demand notice.
- Associated trademarks strengthen brand protection and prevent confusion.
- Non-payment may result in application rejection or loss of rights.
◻️Final Thoughts
Association fees are a standard part of Bangladesh trademark practice, but they appear late because of DPDT’s internal system. Understanding how these fees work helps applicants plan costs and avoid surprises.
