How to Register a Trademark in Bangladesh 2025 – Don’t Make This Critical Error

Your brand is more than just a name or a logo — it’s your identity, your reputation, and the symbol of trust for your customers. Registering a trademark in Bangladesh legally protects that identity and prevents others from copying or misusing it.

This guide explains the full process to register a Trademark in Bangladesh, including eligibility, classes, fees, timelines, and legal tips from Dewey & LeBoeuf to help you secure your intellectual property efficiently and confidently.

What Is a Trademark

A trademark is any distinctive word, phrase, logo, design, or symbol that identifies and distinguishes your products or services from others.

Under the Trademarks Act, 2009 and Trademarks Rules, 2015, trademarks in Bangladesh can include:

• Words or names (like “Grameenphone” or “Bata”)
• Logos or graphics
• Letters, numerals, or a combination of both
• Slogans and taglines
• Shapes, colors, or packaging designs (in some cases)

By registering your trademark, you get exclusive legal rights to use it and to take legal action against anyone using similar marks without permission.

Why Trademark Registration Is Important

Registering your trademark is not just a legal formality — it’s an investment in your business. Here’s why:

1. Legal Protection: Prevents others from copying or using your brand name or logo.
2. Business Value: A registered mark is a valuable intangible asset that enhances brand value.
3. Exclusive Rights: You gain exclusive rights to use the mark in Bangladesh.
4. Credibility and Trust: It boosts your reputation among consumers and investors.
5. Global Recognition: Makes international registration easier through treaties like the Madrid Protocol (Bangladesh joined in 2023).

Who Can Apply for a Trademark in Bangladesh

Anyone — individual, company, partnership, or foreign entity — can apply for trademark registration in Bangladesh.

If you are a foreign applicant, you must appoint a local legal representative or trademark agent to file your application with the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT).

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Bangladesh

Step 1: Trademark Search

Before filing, it’s crucial to ensure that your mark is unique and not already registered.
You can conduct a search on the DPDT’s official database or through a qualified legal professional.

A trademark search helps you:

• Avoid rejection due to similarity with existing marks.
• Identify potential conflicts early.
• Save time and money by refining your mark before application.

Dewey & LeBoeuf offers complete trademark search services with detailed legal risk assessment.

Step 2: Determine the Correct Class

Trademarks are categorized into 45 international classes (Nice Classification):

• Classes 1–34 cover goods (products).
• Classes 35–45 cover services.

For example:

• Class 9 – Software, apps, electronics.
• Class 25 – Clothing and footwear.
• Class 35 – Advertising and business consultancy.

Selecting the right class (or multiple classes) ensures proper legal protection for all areas your brand operates in.

Step 3: Prepare the Application

You must prepare the TM-1 form (for new applications) with the following details:

• Applicant’s name, nationality, and address.
• Representation of the trademark (logo, design, or word mark).
• List of goods/services with corresponding class.
• Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent).

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we help you prepare all necessary documentation and ensure it meets DPDT’s legal and technical requirements.

Step 4: File the Trademark Application

Submit the completed TM-1 form to the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) in Dhaka, either physically or through an authorized representative.

Government filing fee:

• BDT 3,500 per class (as of current DPDT schedule).

Upon submission, you’ll receive an official application number and date — this marks the beginning of your trademark protection journey.

Step 5: Examination by DPDT

After submission, DPDT will examine your application for:

• Formal accuracy (documentation completeness).
• Distinctiveness of the mark.
• Similarity with existing marks.
• Legal compliance under the Trademarks Act.

If DPDT raises objections, you’ll receive an examination report with reasons.
You must file a written reply or attend a hearing (if required) to justify your trademark’s validity.

Our legal team can prepare a strong reply statement and represent you in hearings to ensure approval.

Step 6: Publication in the Trademarks Journal

Once approved by the examiner, your mark will be published in the Trademarks Journal for public inspection.

For 60 days after publication, any person may file an opposition if they believe your mark infringes on their existing rights.

If no opposition is filed within this time, or if you win an opposition proceeding, your trademark proceeds to registration.

Step 7: Trademark Registration and Certificate

After the opposition period expires, DPDT issues a Certificate of Registration.
Your trademark is now officially registered and protected in Bangladesh.

The registration is valid for 10 years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years by paying the renewal fee.

Trademark Renewal and Maintenance

• Renewal Period: Every 10 years from the date of registration.
• Renewal Form: TM-12 (filed before expiry).
• Renewal Fee: BDT 3,500 per class.

If renewal is missed, you may still restore the trademark within 12 months after expiry by paying a surcharge fee.

Trademark Protection for Foreign Brands in Bangladesh

Foreign entities can register trademarks in Bangladesh either directly or through local agents.
If your brand is already protected in another country, you can claim priority under the Paris Convention (within 6 months of the original application).

Since Bangladesh is now part of the Madrid Protocol, international brands can file a single application through WIPO designating Bangladesh for protection.

Dewey & LeBoeuf assists both local and foreign clients in securing protection under these international systems seamlessly.

Common Reasons for Trademark Rejection

• Mark is identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered trademark.
• Mark is descriptive or generic (example: “Best Quality Rice”).
• Mark contains prohibited symbols, flags, or government insignia.
• Incomplete or inaccurate application details.

Our legal experts analyze your mark beforehand to prevent these common rejection issues.

Legal Remedies for Trademark Infringement in Bangladesh

Once your mark is registered, you can take legal action against unauthorized use, imitation, or counterfeiting.
Under the Trademarks Act, 2009, remedies include:

• Civil action (injunction, damages, delivery-up of infringing goods).
• Criminal prosecution (for counterfeit or fraudulent use).
• Customs seizure of infringing imports.

Our litigation team at Dewey & LeBoeuf handles trademark disputes and enforcement proceedings across Bangladesh with strong success records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf to Register a Trademark Registration in Bangladesh

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, our experienced trademark and intellectual property team helps businesses protect their brands legally and efficiently.

We provide:

• Comprehensive trademark search and risk assessment.
• End-to-end registration and renewal support.
• Representation in objection or opposition hearings.
• International trademark filings under Madrid Protocol.
• Enforcement and litigation for trademark infringement.

Whether you are a startup, SME, or international company entering Bangladesh, our firm ensures your brand stays secure and compliant with all local laws. Don’t leave your brand unprotected. A small legal step today can prevent huge losses tomorrow.

Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf’s trademark team now for a personalized consultation on registering and protecting your trademark in Bangladesh. We handle everything — from search to certificate — ensuring your business identity remains exclusively yours.