In this competitive world, ideas are often your most valuable assets. A unique brand logo, a product design, or a catchy slogan: distinctive creations embody your business. If not appropriately protected, whoever wishes can copy and use and monetize your intellectual work.
You need to protect your Intellectual Property (IP) for a successful work or business. Currently, in Bangladesh, it has legal remedies for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in winning innovations as your own.
We are here to explain and help you with the process of intellectual property rights protection in Bangladesh. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact Legal Advice BD!
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property rights are the legal relations relating to the creative inventions of the mind. This includes original works as well as inventions.
- Brand names and logos
- Inventions and innovations
- Literary, artistic, or musical works
- Industrial designs
- Trade secrets and proprietary processes
In Bangladesh, IP is categorized into three main types:
- Copyright – For artistic, literary, or creative works (books, songs, films)
- Trademarks – For brand identifiers (logos, slogans, names)
- Patents – For new inventions or technological solutions
Why IP Protection Matters in Bangladesh
With a rapidly growing entrepreneurial landscape, businesses in Bangladesh are investing more in branding, digital assets, design, and innovation. But many still overlook IP protection until it’s too late.
Here’s why securing your IP is vital:
- Prevents copying and misuse by competitors or individuals
- Builds brand value and trust in the marketplace
- Ensures legal ownership of your ideas and products
- Attracts investors, especially in tech or creative startups
- Enables you to take legal action if someone uses your IP without permission
Step-by-Step: How to Protect IP in Bangladesh
1. Trademark Registration
If you have a brand name, a logo, or a slogan, then trademark registration is the best first step for you.
Where to register:
The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industries handles trademark registrations in Bangladesh.
Steps:
- Conduct a name/logo availability search through DPDT.
- File a trademark application with the necessary documents.
- Wait for the examination and possible objections.
- Once approved, the trademark is published in the Trademarks Journal.
- If unchallenged, you’ll receive your registration certificate.
Duration: A trademark is valid for 7 years, renewable indefinitely.
2. Copyright Registration
If you’re a creator of books, music, films, software, or artwork, you hold copyright automatically when the work is created. But formal registration adds an extra layer of protection.
Where to register:
Copyright Office of Bangladesh, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Steps:
- Apply with a copy of your original work
- The office examines and registers your copyright.
- You receive a certificate proving the legal ownership.
Duration: Generally lasts 60 years after the creator’s death (varies by type of work).
3. Patent Protection
If you have invented any product or process or technology and you have taken the patent, you are entitled to the exclusive right of using or licensing it.
Where to register:
Also handled by the DPDT.
Requirements:
- The invention must be new, non-obvious, and useful.
- Legally submit patent specification, drawings, and other documents.
- It undergoes a technical examination before approval.
Duration: Patents are valid for 16 years from the date of filing.
4. Design Registration
If you’ve created a unique product design or packaging, this can be protected under industrial design laws.
Steps:
- Apply through the DPDT
- Submit illustrations or photos of the design.
- Get the registration certificate upon approval.
Duration: Registered designs are protected for 5 years and, thereafter, renewed for a period of up to 15 years.
5. Protecting Trade Secrets
Some business ideas, recipes, or strategies can’t be patented or copyrighted but are still extremely valuable. These are considered trade secrets.
To protect trade secrets:
- Use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with employees or partners
- Keep sensitive information on a need-to-know basis.
- Implement internal data protection protocols.
- Document access logs for critical files or formulas
Though not registered with any authority, trade secrets are legally protected under contract law and tort law in Bangladesh.
Challenges You Might Face
While the IP protection process is improving, businesses in Bangladesh still face some challenges:
- Lack of awareness about IP laws
- Bureaucratic delays in the registration process
- Language and legal complexity in filing documents
- Limited enforcement when rights are violated
This is why having professional legal support can make all the difference.
Why Choose Legal Advice BD
At Legal Advice BD, our focus is to simplify the law for Bangladeshi businesses, doers, and entrepreneurs. We know that dealing with IP registration or enforcement solely can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly.
Here is why our clients trust us across the country:
- Expert Advice: Our legal team has firsthand experience handling copyright, trademark, and patent issues
- End-to-End Support: We do it all, from documentation to filing to follow-ups
- Good Packages: We have tailor-made packages for small businesses, startups, and individuals
- Local Knowledge: We know the nuts and the working of IP in Bangladesh
- Responsive Help: Got a question or facing infringement? We’re just a message away.
Whether you’re registering your first logo or defending your brand from copycats, Legal Advice BD is your partner in protecting what you’ve built.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your IP Safe
- Document everything! Keep records of your work, designs, or invention process.
- Use watermarks or copyright notices on public content.
- Monitor competitors and marketplaces for possible infringements.
- Train your staff on the importance of data confidentiality.
- Renew registrations before expiry to avoid losing protection.
Final Thoughts
Intangible assets are invaluable. In Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving digital and startup landscape, safeguarding your created and commercial assets is paramount.
Registration of your IP is not merely a legal compulsion; it is a judicious investment that secures your hard work and provides your business with a competitive advantage.
In case you are uncertain about beginning the IP protection process, let Legal Advice BD be your guide.
From consultation to protection, we make the process easy, effective, and tailored to your goals.