The short answer
Sections 6 and 7 of the Bangladesh Patent Act, 2023 (in force from 27 February 2025) list what cannot be patented. The main exclusions are discoveries and theories, business methods and computer programs, medical treatment methods, plant and animal varieties, new uses of known products, and anything related to atomic energy.
Section 6: what cannot be patented
Ideas
Abstract and mental
Discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, business methods, game rules, algorithms and computer programs.
Medical
Treatment methods
Surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic methods used on humans or animals.
Nature
Natural and known things
Natural substances found in nature, plant and animal varieties, seeds, biological production processes, and new uses of known products.
Public interest
Harmful inventions
Inventions against public order, morality, health, life or the environment.
Art
Creative works
Literary, musical and artistic works, films and broadcasts. These fall under copyright.
Other
Further exclusions
Simple mixtures, mere combinations of known devices, agricultural methods, pure data presentation, integrated circuit layouts, and inventions based only on traditional knowledge.
Pharma and agrochemicals. Until the TRIPS Council decides otherwise, pharmaceutical and agrochemical products remain excluded, although the government may change this by gazette notification.
Section 7: atomic energy
No patent is granted for inventions on the production, control, use or disposal of atomic energy, for mining or treating radioactive substances, or for technology affecting nuclear safety. The bar rests on national security and public health.
Quick eligibility check
| Subject | Patentable? |
|---|---|
| Scientific theory or maths method | No (Sec 6) |
| Medical treatment of humans or animals | No (Sec 6) |
| New use of a known substance | No (Sec 6) |
| Atomic energy invention | No (Sec 7) |
| Human-made microorganism | Yes (Sec 6) |
| Pharmaceutical product | Not for now (Sec 6(2)) |
Patent eligibility questions
Can software be patented in Bangladesh?
Computer programs and algorithms are excluded under Section 6.
Can a new use of a known drug be patented?
No. A new use of a known product is excluded.
Are microorganisms patentable?
Human-made microorganisms are, but natural ones found in nature are not.
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