The short answer
To oppose a published trademark in Bangladesh, file Form TM-05 in duplicate with the fee within 2 months of journal publication (Section 18, Rule 18). The deadline cannot be extended. The applicant answers with Form TM-06 within 2 months, both sides file affidavit evidence, the DPDT holds a hearing, and the decision can be appealed to the High Court Division.
Who can oppose, and on what grounds
Any person may oppose (Section 18(1)), typically owners of earlier registered, pending or well-known marks, or businesses with prior use. Rule 18(2) requires the notice to state every ground, and none can be added later.
Similarity
Confusion
Identical or confusingly similar to an earlier mark in sight, sound or meaning.
Prior use
Unregistered rights
Earlier use in Bangladesh, even without registration.
Weak mark
Distinctiveness
Generic or descriptive (Sections 6 and 8).
Bad faith
Copying
Filed to copy reputation, block competitors or resell.
Deception
Misleading
Likely to mislead about nature, quality or origin (Section 8(c)).
Policy
Morality
Offensive, scandalous or unlawful (Section 8).
The procedure, stage by stage
Opponent files TM-05
- In duplicate with the fee and all grounds
- Foreign opponents may be directed to give security for costs (Section 18(7))
DPDT serves the applicant
- Rule 18(3)
Applicant files TM-06
- Answer every allegation; no response means the application is deemed abandoned (Section 18(2))
Evidence by affidavit (TM-18)
- Opponent: 2 months after the counter-statement; if missed, the opposition is abandoned
- Applicant: 2 months after the opponent's affidavit; if missed, the application is abandoned
- Opponent may file a counter-affidavit within 1 month
Hearing
- Notice on Form TMR-13, at least 1 month ahead unless both agree
- Confirm attendance with Form TM-07 within 14 days; if you do not, the Registrar may decide without you
Decision and appeal
- Appeal to the High Court Division within 2 months
Affidavits from abroad
| Route | Steps |
|---|---|
| Embassy legalisation | Notarise at home, attest at the Bangladesh Embassy, verify at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh. Open to all countries; slower |
| Apostille | Notarise at home, obtain an apostille, file at the DPDT. Faster and cheaper, if your country is a Convention member |
Bangladesh joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 29 July 2024 and has accepted apostilled documents since 30 March 2025. See apostille in Bangladesh.
Trademark opposition questions
How long do I have to oppose?
2 months from publication in the Journal, with no extension.
Can I add grounds later?
No. State all grounds in the first notice.
What if the applicant does not respond?
The application is deemed abandoned.
Can I appeal the decision?
Yes, to the High Court Division within 2 months.
Need help with a trademark deadline?
SUPREMEiP® files, tracks and defends trademarks worldwide and in Bangladesh. Send us the notice or the application number.
Trademark opposition procedure in Bangladesh
