Protecting Your Intellectual Property in Bangladesh

Types of Intellectual Property Protection in Bangladesh

• Patents: Patents in Bangladesh protect inventions that meet the requirements of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Patent protection lasts for 16 years from the filing date, provided that annual maintenance fees are paid.
• Trademarks: Trademarks in Bangladesh are protected through registration with the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT). A trademark registration is valid for an initial period of seven years from the application date and can be renewed indefinitely for additional ten-year periods.
• Industrial Designs: Industrial designs that are new and possess individual character are eligible for protection in Bangladesh. A design registration lasts for an initial five-year term and can be renewed for up to two additional five-year terms, totaling 15 years of protection.
• Copyrights: Bangladesh offers copyright protection for original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, and scientific works. The duration of copyright protection varies depending on the type of work but generally lasts for the life of the author plus 60 years after their death.
• Geographical Indications (GI): GI protection is available in Bangladesh for products that possess specific qualities or reputation due to their geographic origin. The protection of GIs is aimed at preventing the use of misleading or deceptive indications on products.
• Trade Secrets: Trade secrets are protected under the Bangladesh Contract Act, 1872, which safeguards confidential business information, including formulas, processes, and methods. There is no specific duration for trade secret protection, but the information must be kept confidential to maintain its protected status.

Risks to Intellectual Property in Bangladesh

Despite improvements in the IP legal framework, several risks still exist in Bangladesh. Some of the most common risks include:

• Counterfeiting and piracy: Bangladesh faces significant challenges in combating the production and distribution of counterfeit goods and pirated materials, both domestically and across its borders. This affects various industries, including pharmaceuticals, clothing, and software.
• Inadequate enforcement: While Bangladesh has made strides to improve its IP enforcement capabilities, there are still instances of insufficient enforcement efforts, leading to prolonged disputes and difficulties in obtaining effective remedies.
• Limited public awareness: There is a lack of public awareness about the importance of IP protection, which may contribute to a casual attitude towards IP infringement.

Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights in Bangladesh

• Administrative enforcement: The Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) plays a crucial role in the administrative enforcement of IP rights. Rights holders can request the DPDT to take action against IP infringements, such as seizing counterfeit goods or suspending the release of suspected infringing products.
• Civil enforcement: Rights holders can initiate civil lawsuits to seek remedies such as injunctions, damages, and the destruction of infringing goods. However, civil enforcement in Bangladesh may be time-consuming and costly, with limited success in obtaining effective remedies.
• Criminal enforcement: Criminal enforcement is available for specific IP violations, such as copyright infringement and trademark counterfeiting. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and local police forces are responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal IP cases.

Relevant Statistics

• According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Bangladesh filed 123 patent applications in 2020, highlighting the need for increased innovation and IP protection in the country.
• In 2020, the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) received 10,843 trademark applications, demonstrating the importance of brand protection for businesses operating in Bangladesh.
• A 2019 study conducted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) estimated that counterfeit and pirated goods accounted for approximately 5% of Bangladesh's total imports, which equates to approximately USD 1.5 billion.

Challenges and Opportunities for Intellectual Property Protection in Bangladesh

• Strengthening IP enforcement: Enhancing the capacity of law enforcement, customs officials, and the judiciary to effectively enforce IP rights is essential in Bangladesh. This can be achieved through targeted training programs, sharing of best practices, and international cooperation.
• Raising public awareness: Increasing public awareness of the importance of IP protection is crucial for fostering a culture of respect for IP rights in Bangladesh. This can be achieved through educational campaigns, public outreach, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
• Encouraging innovation and creativity: Developing a strong IP environment in Bangladesh requires promoting innovation and creativity. This can be achieved by providing incentives for research and development, supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs, and facilitating collaboration between academia and industry.
• Strengthening international cooperation: Bangladesh can further bolster its IP enforcement efforts by strengthening international cooperation, sharing best practices, and engaging in joint initiatives with other countries to combat counterfeiting and piracy.