If you have a business or brand in Bangladesh, protecting its name or logo is very important. Maybe you have a unique product name, a catchy slogan, or a creative design that represents your business. To make sure no one else copies or misuses it, you need to know how to register a trademark in Bangladesh.
In simple words, registering a trademark in Bangladesh means applying through the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) to get official rights over your brand name, logo, or mark. It gives you full ownership and the legal power to stop others from using your identity.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step from checking your trademark to final registration in detail.
What is a Trademark and Why It’s Important
A trademark is your brand’s identity. It can be a name, logo, sign, or even a unique design that represents your products or services. When you register a trademark, you get legal protection.
This means if someone copies your brand, you can take legal action against them. It also builds customer trust because people know your brand is officially recognized.
Who Can Apply for a Trademark in Bangladesh
Anyone who owns or plans to use a trademark in Bangladesh can apply. It can be:
- A person
- A business owner
- A company
- A service provider
You can apply for a trademark or a service mark (for service-based businesses). Bangladesh follows the International Nice Classification System, which divides goods and services into classes.
11 Steps on How to Register a Trademark in Bangladesh
Now is the time to learn about the overall registration process of a trademark in Bangladesh.
Step 1: Do a Trademark Search Before Applying
Before you apply, check if someone else has already registered a similar name or logo. You can request a search at the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) office by using Form TM-4. The fee for the search is Tk. 1,000.
It’s not a must-do step, but it’s a smart idea. If you skip this and your mark looks like someone else’s, your application may get rejected later.
You can also check the Trademark Journal on the DPDT website to find out if your desired name or logo already exists.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Now, collect all the details you need for your trademark application.
Here’s what to include:
- The name or logo of your mark (a clear print or image).
- Your full name and address.
- Your nationality and type of business (for example, manufacturer or service provider).
- The class of goods or services (as per the Nice Classification system).
- The date when you started using it or mention “proposed to be used.”
- Power of Attorney (if a lawyer or agent helps you).
You need to use Form TM-1 for this step. The government fee for TM-1 is Tk. 3,500. You can download the form from the DPDT website or collect it directly from their office.
Step 3: How to Fill and Submit the Application
You can submit your trademark application either online or in person at the DPDT office in Dhaka or Chittagong.
If you apply manually:
- Print four copies of your Form TM-1 on A4 paper (80 GSM).
- Attach your trademark logo on good-quality paper (avoid photocopies).
- If your logo includes foreign words, add their Bengali or English translation.
- If your logo includes someone’s picture, attach their written permission.
- Mention how long you have been using the mark or write “proposed to be used.”
- Pay the fee through a bank draft or a pay order made out to The Registrar, DPDT.
After submitting, you will get a receipt with a serial number. Keep it safe. It’s your proof that you’ve applied.
Step 4: Official Examination by the Registrar
After you submit, the Registrar of Trademarks will check your application carefully.
They will look for:
- Any similar existing trademarks.
- Missing or incorrect details.
- Whether your mark follows all legal rules.
If everything is okay, your application gets accepted. If there’s any issue, the Registrar sends you a show-cause notice asking for clarification. You must reply within three months or your application will be rejected.
Once accepted, you’ll receive a notice (Form TM-9) to pay Tk. 1,000 for publication in the Trademark Journal.
Step 5: Publication in the Trademark Journal
After acceptance, your mark is published in the Bangladesh Gazette (Trade Marks Journal). This lets the public see your mark and gives them a chance to object if they think it’s too similar to theirs.
If no one objects within two months of publication, your mark moves to the next stage. If you don’t pay the journal publication fee within one month, your application can be considered abandoned.
Step 6: Opposition Stage
If someone objects to your mark, they can file a notice using Form TM-5 within two months of the publication date. The fee for TM-5 is Tk. 2,000.
- You’ll get a copy of the objection.
- You must reply within two months using Form TM-6 with a fee of Tk. 1,500.
Both sides can then submit documents or evidence and appear for a hearing.
If the Registrar decides in your favor, your mark moves forward to registration. If not, your application may be rejected. But don’t worry. You can still appeal to the High Court.
Step 7: Registration and Getting the Certificate
Once your mark passes the opposition stage, the DPDT will ask you to pay for the registration certificate.
- You need to use Form TM-11 and pay Tk. 15,000.
- After payment, you’ll receive an official Certificate of Registration with the government seal.
This certificate gives you full legal ownership of your trademark in Bangladesh.
Step 8: Validity and Renewal
Your registered trademark is valid for 7 years from the filing date. You can renew it every 10 years using Form TM-12.
- Renewal fee: Tk. 15,000
- Late renewal fee (after expiry): Tk. 20,000
You can renew your mark as many times as you want as long as you pay the fees on time.
Step 9: Assignment and Licensing
You can transfer (assign) your trademark to another person or company if you wish. Use Form TM-24 for assignment, with a fee of Tk. 3,000. If you allow someone else to use your trademark under license, you must record this with the DPDT to make it legally valid.
Step 10: Protection Against Infringement
If someone copies or misuses your registered mark, you can take legal steps.
You have two options:
- Civil Case – File in the District Judge Court to stop the misuse and claim compensation.
- Criminal Case – File in the Magistrate’s Court to punish the offender.
You can ask the court to stop the illegal use, destroy fake products, and claim damages for your losses.
Step 11: For Foreign Applicants – Use a Local Agent
If you live outside Bangladesh, you must apply through a local lawyer or a registered trademark agent. You’ll need to submit a Power of Attorney using Form TM-10 with a stamp value of Tk. 600 for the first entry, as stated in the Stamp Act, 1899 (Act No. 11 of 1899).
The local agent will take care of the full process from filing your application, managing communication with the DPDT, and updating you on every step until your trademark registration is complete.
Besides, if you are a foreign investor, learn how to register a foreign company in Bangladesh.
Important Trademark Forms and Fees Based in Bangladesh
| Form Name | Purpose | Fee (BDT) |
| TM-1 | Application for registration of a trademark (Textile, Non-textile, and Defensive Mark) | 3,500 |
| TM-4 | Request for investigation/search | 1,000 |
| TM-5 | Notice of Opposition to Application for Registration of a Trademark | 2,000 |
| TM-6 | Form for Counter-Statement | 1,500 |
| TM-9 | Application for Advertisement in Trademark Journal | 1,000 |
| TM-10 | Power of Attorney | For First Entry: 600.00 For Every Additional Entry-500.00 |
| TM-11 | Application for registration certificate | 15,000 |
| TM-12 | Renewal for Trademark Registration | 15,000 |
| TM-13 | Late renewal | 5,000 |
| TM-19 | Application for time extension | In the case of each application 1000.00 |
| TM-24 | Assignment or transfer | 3000.00 for the first mark and 600.00 for every additional mark |
**You can see all forms and fees here: DPDT Forms and Fees Page.
Timeline: How Long Trademark Registration Takes in Bangladesh
Usually, the full trademark registration process in Bangladesh takes around 12 to 18 months if everything goes smoothly. But if there’s an objection or opposition, it can take a bit longer because the DPDT will need to review and make a decision. So, patience is key.
You can easily check your application status anytime on the DPDT website to see where your file currently stands. It’s good to keep track regularly so you don’t miss any updates or notices.
How to Maintain and Use Your Trademark
Once your trademark is registered, you must keep using it in your real business. This means putting your logo or brand name on your products, packaging, website, and ads. If your mark is not used for five continuous years, someone else can apply to cancel it for non-use.
So, make sure you keep proof of use like invoices, product labels, advertisements, or catalogs. These will help you if you ever need to prove that your brand is active.
Final Tips for You
- Always do a trademark search first before applying. It helps you avoid conflicts.
- Write your goods and services clearly in the form so the DPDT understands what you want to protect.
- Pay all fees on time. Missing a payment can cause delays or rejection.
- Keep all certificates, forms, and receipts in a safe place for future use.
- Renew your trademark before it expires to keep your rights active.
- Use the ® symbol only after registration is complete, not before.
Need Help Registering Your Trademark in Bangladesh?
If you’re looking to protect your brand name, logo, or slogan, I’m here to make the process simple and stress-free. I’m Nashir Ahmed Kushol, a company lawyer in Bangladesh with over 10 years of experience helping local and foreign clients with trademark registration, business setup, and corporate legal matters.
My team and I handle everything, from the initial trademark search and filing to publication, opposition, and final registration, directly through the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT). We make sure your brand is fully protected under Bangladeshi law.
Get in touch today and let me, Nashir Ahmed Kushol, help you register your trademark in Bangladesh with confidence and ease.
Wrapping Up
So, coming to this point, hopefully, you now know how to register a trademark in Bangladesh. Registering your trademark in Bangladesh is not as hard as it may sound. It’s a simple process once you know the right steps. A registered trademark gives your brand legal protection and helps build trust with customers.
Just take it step by step: search, apply, publish, and register. Once done, your brand is officially protected and truly yours.
“For complete guidance on starting a business in Bangladesh, follow these nine steps.”
