Copyright in Bangladesh arises automatically upon the creation of an original work — but registration with the Copyright Office provides important practical advantages for enforcement, licensing, and commercial dealings. LegalBD advises on copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement across all categories of protected works.
The Copyright Act 2000
Bangladesh's Copyright Act 2000 provides automatic protection for original works including: literary works (including software, databases, and compilations); musical works; artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs, architectural works); cinematographic films; and sound recordings. Protection generally subsists for the author's lifetime plus 60 years. Both economic rights (reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, digital transmission) and moral rights (attribution and integrity) are recognised.
Copyright Registration
Registration with the Copyright Office under the Copyright Act 2000 is voluntary but provides significant benefits: it creates a public record of ownership; gives rise to a legal presumption of ownership and originality in enforcement proceedings; and is commonly required by publishers, broadcasters, licensing platforms, and potential purchasers as evidence of title. LegalBD manages registration applications for individual creators, corporations, and institutions.
Software and Database Protection
Software (computer programs) and databases are protected as literary works under the Copyright Act 2000. Foreign technology companies operating in or through Bangladesh should register key software products and implement robust licence agreements. The Act provides criminal remedies — including imprisonment and fines — for wilful infringement, which can be particularly relevant for large-scale software piracy.
Copyright Licensing and Assignment
We draft and negotiate copyright licence agreements, publishing contracts, music synchronisation and master licences, content distribution agreements, and work-for-hire arrangements with employees and contractors. A carefully drafted licensing agreement is essential to ensuring that your IP exploitation strategy is implemented on your intended terms and that rights are not inadvertently transferred.