Copyright Registration and Licensing in Bangladesh
Copyright in Bangladesh is governed by the Copyright Act, 2023, which provides automatic protection upon creation of an original work — registration is not a prerequisite for copyright to subsist. However, registration with the Copyright Office (part of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks) provides important evidentiary benefits in enforcement proceedings.
Works Protected by Bangladesh Copyright
- Literary works (including software and databases)
- Musical works and sound recordings
- Dramatic and cinematographic works
- Artistic works (photographs, paintings, architectural drawings)
- Broadcasts and cable programmes
Duration of Protection
Copyright in most works subsists for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years. Sound recordings and films are protected for 60 years from publication.
Licensing and Assignment
Copyright may be licensed (exclusively or non-exclusively) or assigned. All assignments must be in writing. LegalBD drafts copyright licences, assignment agreements, and co-production agreements, and advises on fair use (fair dealing) limitations under the Copyright Act, 2023.
Contact us for copyright advice.