“A trademark isn’t just a logo. It’s your reputation. Your identity. And your legal shield.”
So, You’ve Set Up Shop in Bangladesh—Now What?
Maybe you’ve already gone through How to Start a Business in Bangladesh. You’ve figured out Company Types & Restrictions for Foreigners in BD, registered your Private Limited Company after learning the top legal requirements to start a company, opened a business bank account, signed a lease, and even managed to survive the maze of BIDA approval without losing your mind.
That’s a win.
But here’s a question founders often overlook until it’s too late:
What about your brand?
Your name, your logo, your product label, that tagline and jingle you spent nights obsessing over again and again.
Because without legal protection in place, they’re just… pfft! ideas?
Easy to imitate. Hard to defend. And in some cases? Easy to steal—from right under your nose!
That’s where trademarks come in. Now, a trademark isn’t about vanity. It’s about ownership, proof, and power—especially in a country where brand copying is a real threat, and enforcement is quite slow.
If you’re building something you want to protect—or scale—start here.
Why Trademarks Matter (Especially If You’re Not a Local)
Here’s the thing—Bangladesh is a fast-moving market. Startups are growing, foreign businesses are entering, and digital commerce is booming. Your brand is your identity in that crowd. Without a registered trademark in Bangladesh, you’re handing over a free pass to copycats.
Bangladesh follows a “first-to-file” system, meaning whoever registers a trademark first—owns it. Not the person who thought of it. Not even the person who used it first.
So yes, if you’re thinking “we’ll register it later,” know this: someone else might step in and register it before you do.
That’s why trademark registration in Bangladesh isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must, if you are wondering. With IP infringement and counterfeiting still common in industries like apparel and consumer goods, protecting your brand is non-negotiable.
And yes, enforcement is improving. According to recent reports from WIPO and the Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh has made significant strides in aligning with global IP standards—but proactive protection is still up to you.
Can Foreigners Register a Trademark in Bangladesh?
Absolutely. There’s no nationality restriction in the Trademark Act, 2009—foreigners, foreign companies, and startups can all apply. In fact, over 44,000 non-resident trademarks have already been registered with Bangladesh’s Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT).
All you need is:
- A unique brand element (name, symbol, design)
- A business registration or application basis in Bangladesh
- A local address (often through a trademark agent)
- Patience (the process can take 5 to 8 months—or up to 3 years if there’s an objection or opposition)
That said, the trademark registration process in Bangladesh is still mostly paper-based. There’s an online portal, but most steps—especially oppositions and hearings—are still offline.
Still Wondering Why This Matters?
Because trademarks are now key to attracting foreign investment—and that’s not just theory.
A Dhaka Tribune report highlighted that without strong IP rights enforcement, global brands hesitate to bring their IP-heavy business models into developing markets. Bangladesh knows this. That’s why newer regulations and collaborations with international IP bodies are quietly reshaping the landscape.
But remember: policies take time. Your brand can’t wait for ideal conditions—it needs protection now!
What Can You Register as a Trademark?
You’re not limited to just your logo or name. Bangladesh recognizes a wide range of mark types:
- Word marks and brand names
- Logos and graphic marks
- Letters and numerals
- Colors and shapes (yes, non-traditional marks are gaining ground)
- Certification and collective marks
But there are rules. According to the trademark law in Bangladesh, you can’t register anything:
- Generic or commonly used (like “milk” for a dairy brand)
- Deceptive, offensive, or misleading
- Too similar to an existing registered trademark
So don’t DIY this. Work with an experienced trademark agent if you’re not sure.
What Does Registration Actually Protect You From?
Here’s the fun part.
Once your trademark is registered:
- You get exclusive rights to use that mark for the goods/services it’s registered under.
- You can sue for infringement if someone uses a similar mark.
- You can assign or license the mark to others.
- You build brand value—trademarks are intellectual property assets, after all.
Plus, according to legal experts at Jural Acuity, registered trademarks are now being treated more seriously in cross-border enforcement cases. So, even if your IP battle stretches outside Bangladesh, your local registration boosts your standing.
And yes, registration matters. Without it, you can’t legally stop someone from using your brand—even if you used it first.
That’s why startups need IP protection early on, even before they’re revenue-positive.
Costs, Timelines, and the Boring (But Important) Bits
Let’s keep it quick:
- Trademark registration cost in Bangladesh: Starts at BDT 3,500 for filing, BDT 15,000 for final registration (+ VAT)
- Timeline: 5–8 months (clean case), up to 3 years if there’s opposition
- Validity: Initially 7 years, renewable every 10 years thereafter
You’ll need a local address or an authorized agent to handle filings and respond to any objections. (Tip: if you are registering a Private Limited Company in BD as a Foreigner, this often gets handled together.)
What About International IP Protection?
Good question.
Bangladesh isn’t yet a member of the Madrid Protocol, so you can’t use a single application to register globally. Each country—including Bangladesh—requires a separate application.
However, Bangladesh has signed international treaties (including TRIPS) and maintains reciprocal protection practices. According to U.S. government reports and WIPO evaluations, Bangladesh honors many international intellectual property law standards—but enforcement still depends on local registration.
That said, your foreign registration means nothing in Bangladesh unless you also register it locally.
Yes, Bangladesh adheres to international IP agreements, but local recognition is what enforces your rights here.
But What If Someone Steals My Brand?
Enforcement is where things get tricky.
There’s no specialized IP court yet in Bangladesh. If your trademark is infringed:
- You must file a civil case in the District Court
- Or go criminal (punishment: 6 months to 2 years)
The good news?
The government is slowly catching up. According to The Daily Star, Bangladesh has made meaningful progress in building out IP enforcement systems—and more IP awareness training is happening within customs and the police.
Also, Customs can block counterfeit imports under the IPR Enforcement Rules 2019. So registering your mark can even protect your products at the border.
Common Mistakes Foreign Entrepreneurs Make
- Skipping local registration because you have one abroad
- Using “™” without actually registering (yes, anyone can use ™; only “®” means it’s registered)
- Assuming IP is only for “big” companies
- Waiting until after a product launch to register
Don’t be that person.
So, Before You Get Too Comfortable…
That’s it. You’ve already come this far—set up your company, dealt with paperwork, bank forms, legal hurdles, and maybe even a couple of “surprise” costs no one warned you about.
But protecting your brand? That’s not something to add to the “someday” list.
Because in Bangladesh, things move fast. People notice what’s working. And if your brand’s out there without a trademark behind it, you’re basically handing out permission slips for someone else to copy it.
So don’t wait until something goes wrong.
Register your mark. Lock your name down. And treat your brand like what it actually is—a business asset worth defending.
After all, what you’re building isn’t just a company.
It’s yours. Make sure the law sees it that way, too.
FAQ
Can I trademark my business name if I haven’t launched yet?
Yes. You can file based on proposed use or intent-to-use—even if the business isn’t fully operational. Just make sure your name or logo is distinct.
Is trademark registration mandatory in Bangladesh?
No, not actually. But without it, you have no solid legal ground to stop someone from copying or stealing from you. Think of it as business insurance.
What happens if someone registers my brand before I do?
If they register first, they legally own the rights in Bangladesh. Unless you can prove bad faith (which is hard), you’ll be blocked from using it here—even if you own it elsewhere.
I’ve already registered my trademark abroad. Do I need to register it in BD too?
Yes. Foreign registration holds no legal power in Bangladesh unless it’s also filed locally. The country follows national protection, not automatic reciprocity.
How long does trademark protection last?
The initial period is 7 years. Then, you can keep renewing it every 10 years for as long as you continue to use the mark and pay the renewal fees.
What is the fastest way to register a trademark in Bangladesh?
There’s no express route yet. But working with a reliable local IP agent or law firm can reduce errors, delays, and improve your odds of smooth processing.
Can I take legal action if someone copies my unregistered brand?
Only under “passing off”—which requires you to prove goodwill and reputation. It’s hard to win and time-consuming. Registration is a much easier legal tool.
Will trademark protection help with cross-border operations or exports?
Absolutely. A registered mark builds trust with international partners, helps with customs clearance, and can even impact your brand valuation if you ever raise capital or license your brand globally.
