Overview of Bangladesh's Intellectual Property Framework
Bangladesh's intellectual property (IP) system is administered by DPDT (Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks). The principal legislation comprises the Trademarks Act 2009, the Patents and Designs Act 1911 (as amended), and the Copyright Act 2000. Bangladesh is a signatory to the Paris Convention, the TRIPS Agreement, and the Madrid Protocol, placing it within the international IP protection framework.
In practice, however, enforcement levels remain considerably below those of developed markets, and trademark infringement and counterfeiting are frequent. Korean companies entering Bangladesh must file trademark registrations in advance and establish counterfeit response strategies to protect their brands. With TRIPS obligations set to be fully applied following LDC graduation in 2026, acting now to proactively secure IP protection is particularly timely.
IP Type Comparison: Protection Terms and Registration Costs
A summary of registrable intellectual property types in Bangladesh, their protection terms, and associated costs. Korean companies should complete trademark registration at minimum before market entry; technology-based companies should also consider patent filing.
| IP Type | Governing Law | Protection Term | Registration Cost | Renewal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trademark | Trademarks Act 2009 | 7 years (renewable) | $300–800 | Every 7 years | Madrid Protocol filing available |
| Patent | Patents Act 1911 | 16 years | $500–2,000 | Annual fees | Substantive examination required |
| Industrial Design | Patents Act 1911 | 5 years (2 extensions) | $200–500 | Every 5 years | Maximum 15 years |
| Copyright | Copyright Act 2000 | Author's life + 60 years | $50–200 | Not required | Automatic; registration recommended |
| Trade Secrets | Contract law (no dedicated statute) | Unlimited | NDA costs | Not required | Protected by contract |
| Geographical Indications | GI Act 2013 | 10 years (renewable) | $200–500 | Every 10 years | Agricultural products & traditional crafts |
Six-Stage Trademark Registration Process
Trademark registration in Bangladesh proceeds through DPDT (Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks). Since Bangladesh's accession to the Madrid Protocol in 2020, international filing via WIPO has also become available. Appointment of a local trademark agent is mandatory.
Bangladesh vs. India vs. Vietnam: IP Protection Comparison
A comparison of IP protection levels across three major emerging markets frequently targeted by Korean companies. Bangladesh has established a legal framework but maintains the lowest enforcement levels of the three.
Counterfeit Response and Brand Protection Strategy
Counterfeiting in Bangladesh is particularly acute in cosmetics, electronics, apparel, and pharmaceuticals. As Korean brand recognition grows, counterfeit K-Beauty products and Korean consumer electronics have also become increasingly prevalent. Effective protection requires a combination of preventive measures and active enforcement.
Bangladesh's IP protection environment continues to improve, though vigilance remains essential. With full TRIPS obligation compliance taking effect following LDC graduation in 2026, IP enforcement is expected to strengthen. Filing trademark registrations and establishing protective structures now represents the most cost-effective strategy. Treat intellectual property as a managed business asset from the earliest stage of market entry.