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Bangladesh

BD

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Bangladesh.

Authority

DPDT

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Non-member

Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Bangladesh

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi invention patents are administered by DPDT under the Patents and Designs Act, using a first-to-file system. Bangladesh joined the PCT in 1985, with national phase entry typically at 31 months from the priority date. **Important: Bangladesh is currently NOT a Madrid Protocol member. Trademark protection in Bangladesh requires a direct national application.** As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh benefits from certain TRIPS flexibilities.

Patent Filing Routes
1. **Direct BD national filing** — Filed in English or Bengali directly with DPDT; 2. **PCT national phase** — Bangladesh joined PCT in 1985; national phase entry deadline is typically 31 months from the priority date.

Source: DPDT; WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (BD)

No Madrid Protocol — Direct Trademark Filing Required
Bangladesh has not yet acceded to the Madrid Protocol (as of 2026), so it cannot be designated in WIPO Madrid international trademark applications. Trademark protection in Bangladesh requires a direct national application with DPDT. Monitor developments on Bangladesh's potential accession to the Madrid System.

Source: WIPO Madrid member information; DPDT

LDC TRIPS Flexibilities
As a WTO-recognized Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh benefits from certain TRIPS flexibilities, including special arrangements for pharmaceutical patent protection. This special status influences some aspects of Bangladesh's IP system.

Source: WIPO; WTO TRIPS Agreement LDC provisions

Patent Term
The patent term in Bangladesh is 16 years under the current law — verify the exact term with DPDT before filing, as the IP legal framework is subject to updates.

Source: DPDT; WIPO Bangladesh country profile

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi trademarks are administered by DPDT using a registration system, filed in English or Bengali. **Bangladesh is currently NOT a Madrid Protocol member — direct national trademark applications are required.**

Trademark Filing Routes
The only currently available route is a direct national application with DPDT (in English or Bengali). Madrid international applications are not available for Bangladesh (not a member).

Source: DPDT; WIPO

Registration Term and Renewal
Bangladesh trademark registrations are valid for 7 years initially, then 10 years per renewal, with indefinite renewal. Verify the current term with DPDT.

Source: DPDT official information; WIPO Bangladesh profile

Trademark Use Requirements
After registration, genuine local use is expected. Trademarks continuously unused in Bangladesh may be subject to cancellation proceedings.

Source: DPDT; Bangladesh Trade Marks Act

Patent Annuity

Bangladesh Patent Annuities

Bangladeshi patent annuities are paid to DPDT on schedule to maintain patent validity. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: DPDT official website

Trademark Renewal

Bangladesh Trademark Renewals

Bangladesh trademark terms are shorter (initial 7 years, then 10 years per renewal). Renewal must be filed with DPDT before expiry.

Source: DPDT official information

FAQ

Common Questions — Bangladesh IP

Does Bangladesh support Madrid System trademark applications?
No. Bangladesh has not yet acceded to the Madrid Protocol (as of 2026). Trademark protection in Bangladesh requires a direct national application with DPDT.
How long does a Bangladeshi invention patent last?
16 years under the current law. Verify with DPDT before filing for the latest regulations.
What is the PCT national phase deadline for Bangladesh?
Typically 31 months from the priority date. Bangladesh has been a PCT member since 1985.
How long is a Bangladeshi trademark valid?
Initial registration is 7 years, then each renewal is 10 years, with indefinite renewal. Verify current terms with DPDT.
Is Bangladesh an LDC? What does this mean for IP?
Yes. Bangladesh is a WTO-recognized Least Developed Country (LDC) and benefits from TRIPS flexibilities, including special arrangements for pharmaceutical patent protection.
Does Bangladesh support WIPO DAS?
As of 2026, DPDT does not yet participate in WIPO DAS — priority documents must be submitted through traditional means. Verify current status via WIPO DAS official information.
Is a local agent required in Bangladesh?
Non-residents typically must engage a locally registered patent or trademark agent to file applications in Bangladesh.
Does Bangladesh have utility model protection?
Bangladesh (as of 2026) does not have a standalone utility model system — industrial inventions are protected through the standard patent application process.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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