◻️Introduction to Trademark Registration in Bangladesh
Securing your brand’s identity is crucial in today’s competitive business landscape. Trademark Registration in Bangladesh offers legal protection for your brand name, logo, slogan, or any unique identifier, ensuring your business stands out and is safeguarded from infringement. This comprehensive guide details the entire process of Trademark Registration in Bangladesh, covering legal frameworks, step-by-step procedures, costs, timelines, and essential tips for a successful application.
◻️ What Is a Trademark?
A trademark is any distinctive word, symbol, phrase, logo, or combination that differentiates your goods or services from those of others. In Bangladesh, trademarks are regulated by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), under the Ministry of Industries. Registering a trademark grants you exclusive rights to use your brand elements and prevents unauthorized use by competitors.
◻️ Legal Framework
Trademark registration in Bangladesh is governed by the following laws and regulations:
- Trademarks Act, 2009 – This is the principal legislation that outlines the rights, registration procedures, protection, enforcement, and penalties related to trademarks in Bangladesh.
- Trademark Rules, 2015 – These rules provide detailed procedural guidance for implementing the provisions of the Trademarks Act, 2009, including forms, filing procedures, examination, opposition, and renewal processes.
The DPDT is the official authority responsible for examining applications, maintaining the trademark register, and enforcing trademark rights across Bangladesh. Both domestic and foreign applicants can secure exclusive rights over their brands through this robust legal framework.
◻️ Trademark Registration in Bangladesh: Process Overview
| ✅ Stage | ⏱️ Timeline | 💰 Official Cost (USD) | 📘 Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Step: Trademark Search | 2–20 working days | $27 | Optional but highly recommended to avoid conflict. |
| Stage 1: Filing the Application | 1–2 working days | $61 | Foreign applicants must appoint a local agent. |
| Stage 1A: Examination | 3–6 months | Free (if no objections) | DPDT reviews for distinctiveness and prior conflicts. |
| Stage 2: Publication | 2–5 months | $37 | Application is published in the official Trademarks Journal. |
| Stage 2A: Opposition | 2 months (up to 5 max) | Free (if no opposition) | Any third party can file opposition within this period. |
| Stage 3: Registration | 1–4 months | $243 | Registration is valid for 7 years from filing/priority date. |
| Post-Registration: Renewal | 3–6 months | $243 | Renewable every 10 years to maintain trademark rights. |
🧭Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration in Bangladesh
Below is a simplified summary of the key stages involved in registering a trademark in Bangladesh, along with the estimated timeline and official fees at each step:
✔️ Pre-Step: Conduct a Trademark Search
(Optional but Recommended) Before filing, conduct a trademark search at the DPDT database to check if similar or identical marks already exist.
- Timeline: 2–5 working days
- Official Fee: BDT 3,000 (approx. USD 27)
- Why important? It reduces the risk of objections or opposition later.
✅ Stage 1: File the Trademark Application
Timeline: 1–2 working days
Official Fee: $61
Who Can Apply?
- Individuals or businesses (Bangladeshi or foreign).
- Foreign applicants must appoint a local trademark agent or law firm.
Types of Applications:
- Ordinary Application – for national protection.
- Convention Priority Application – under the Paris Convention, filed within 6 months of the original foreign application.
Required Documents:
- Applicant's full name, address, and nationality
- Trademark name/logo (JPEG for logos)
- Class of goods/services
- Detailed description of goods/services (Bangladesh follows only the NICE Classification)
- Priority claim details and certified copy (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney (no notarization needed, scanned copy)
- English translation (if the mark contains non-English words)
Where to file: DPDT Office (Dhaka) or Online Portal
✅ Stage 1A: Examination by the Registrar
Timeline: 3–6 months
Official Fee: Free if no objections
The DPDT examines the application for distinctiveness, clarity, and conflicts with existing marks. If any objections are raised, an examination report is issued. The applicant must respond within two months. If resolved, the mark proceeds to publication.
The Registrar examines:
- Whether the mark is distinctive
- If it conflicts with existing marks
- Whether it violates public morality or legal restrictions
- Outcome: Acceptance, Objection, or Rejection
- Objection? You'll receive a show-cause notice; reply within two months (extension is allowed)
✅ Stage 2: Publication in the Journal
Timeline: 2–5 months
Official Fee: $37
After your trademark application is accepted for publication during the Examination stage, the Trademark Office (DPDT), Bangladesh, will send you a TM-5 notice. This notice will mention the amount you need to pay for publishing your trademark in the official journal.
You must pay this publication fee within one month from the date of the notice. To make the payment, you have to submit the TM-9 form along with the fee.
If you don’t pay on time, your trademark application might be stalled or even rejected, and you will lose the chance to complete the registration.
In summary:
- ✅ TM-5 notice = fee demand for publication
- ⏳ Pay within 1 month
- 📝 Submit TM-9 form with payment
- ⚠️ Delay or failure to pay may risk your trademark
✅ Stage 2A: Opposition Period
Timeline: 2 months (extension not allowed)
Official Fee: Free if no opposition
If someone believes your trademark infringes their rights, they can file an opposition using Form TM-5.
- Deadline: Must be filed within two months from the date of publication. No extensions are permitted.
- No opposition? The mark proceeds to registration
- If opposed? Learn the procedure..
✅ Stage 3: Trademark Registration
If no opposition is filed, or you win the opposition case, your trademark will be registered. Once registered, the trademark is valid for 7 years from the filing date (or priority date, if applicable). It can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year periods.
Timeline: 1–4 months
Official Fee: $243
✔️ Post-Registration: Renewal
After the initial 7-year term, renewals must be filed every 10 years to maintain trademark protection. This ensures continued ownership and exclusivity.
Timeline: 3–6 months
Official Fee: $243
◻️ Why Register a Trademark in Bangladesh?
- Legal Ownership & Exclusive Rights: Secure your brand and prevent unauthorized use.
- Brand Identity & Trust: Build credibility and recognition in the marketplace.
- Business Asset: Enhance business valuation, franchising, and licensing opportunities.
- Enforcement & Litigation: Essential for protecting your intellectual property rights.
◻️ Need Professional Assistance with Trademark Registration in Bangladesh?
Navigating the process of Trademark Registration in Bangladesh can be complex. Expert legal support ensures your application is handled efficiently and your brand receives the protection it deserves. For end-to-end trademark services—including search, filing, objection handling, opposition, and renewal—contact a reputable law firm specializing in intellectual property.
Secure your brand’s future with Trademark Registration in Bangladesh—protect your business, build trust, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
