Protecting a brand in Bangladesh? The system has a couple of quirks worth knowing — single-class filing, and an unusual 7-year first term before 10-year renewals. Here’s a practical guide to trademark prosecution there.
Filing
File online or in paper at the trademark office in Dhaka. Bangladesh follows the NICE Classification (10th edition) with an accepted goods/services list — classes 1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services — but accepts single-class applications only.
Priority: as a Paris Convention signatory, you can file a convention application claiming priority, with a certified priority document filed within 3 months.
Basis: you can file on an intent-to-use basis or by claiming use in Bangladesh.
Examination and opposition
The application is examined on absolute and relative grounds. If accepted, it’s published in the trademarks journal, open to opposition for 2 months — extendable by up to 3 more months via one-month extensions.
Term and renewal
An unusual feature: registration is valid for 7 years (the first term), then renewable every 10 years. Renewal can be filed within 6 months before expiry, with late renewal possible within 6 months after, and restoration available within 1 year of expiry (if sought within 6 months of expiry).
Maintenance and cancellation
- Non-use cancellation: if a mark hasn’t been used for 5 years before a cancellation petition, it can be removed for non-use.
- You can also record assignments, change name/address, register user agreements, and request amendments — provided they don’t substantially alter the mark’s identity or the goods/services covered.
Enforcement
Using the ® symbol on an unregistered mark, and manufacturing/importing/selling counterfeit goods, are offences under Bangladeshi law. Legal action lies before the District Courts or the High Court of Bangladesh.
What you’ll need to file
Applicant name/address and incorporation/nationality; a depiction of the mark (jpg/png); a description of goods/services; and any translation/transliteration into English. For priority, the priority application number, filing date and country. For changes, similar details plus the specific change and supporting documents.
The takeaways
- Single-class filing on the NICE 10th edition; intent-to-use or use basis.
- 2-month opposition window, extendable by up to 3 months.
- 7-year first term, then 10-year renewals — with grace and restoration windows.
- Non-use cancellation after 5 years; enforcement via the District/High Courts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a multi-class trademark application in Bangladesh? No — Bangladesh accepts single-class applications only.
How long is the first term of a trademark in Bangladesh? Seven years from registration, after which it’s renewable every ten years.
How long is the opposition period? Two months from publication, extendable by up to three further months via one-month extensions.
When can a mark be cancelled for non-use in Bangladesh? If it hasn’t been used for five years before a cancellation petition is filed.