Intellectual property protection in Bangladesh is governed by statutes administered by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) and the Copyright Office. Proactive registration and enforcement is essential for brands, businesses, and rights-holders operating in or through Bangladesh — particularly given the risk of third-party registration of foreign marks before the brand enters the market.
The IP Legal Framework
Bangladesh's intellectual property laws include: the Trade Marks Act 2009; the Patents and Designs Act 1911 (currently under reform); the Copyright Act 2000; the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 2013; and the Layout Design of Integrated Circuits Act 2009. Bangladesh is a member of WIPO and a signatory to the Paris Convention and the Berne Convention, benefiting from LDC transition period flexibilities under the TRIPS Agreement.
Why Early Registration Matters
IP rights in Bangladesh are territorial. A trademark registered in the UK, US, or EU provides no protection against third-party use or registration in Bangladesh. Squatting — where unrelated parties register well-known foreign marks in Bangladesh before the brand establishes local presence — is a documented risk. LegalBD recommends a proactive Bangladesh IP registration strategy for any brand with current or planned commercial activity in the country.
Our IP Services
We provide: trademark searches, applications, prosecution, opposition filings, and enforcement; copyright registration and licensing advisory; patent filing and prosecution; IP due diligence in M&A and investment transactions; IP assignment and licence agreement drafting; anti-counterfeiting strategy; and customs recordation for border protection against infringing goods.