Amar Odhikar Law Firm

Introduction

Intellectual Property (IP) rights protect creative works, brands, inventions, and designs — critical assets for businesses, creators, entrepreneurs, and institutions in Bangladesh. Proper protection ensures legal ownership, commercial value, and enforceability against infringement.

Amar Odhikar Law Firm provides practical and up-to-date guidance on IP protection, registration, enforcement, and compliance within the framework of Bangladeshi law and relevant international obligations.

Legal Framework in Bangladesh

• Copyright Act (as amended) – governs literary, artistic, musical, and digital works.
• Trade Marks Act, 2009 – regulates registration and protection of trademarks.
• Patents Act, 2023 – modern patent regime governing inventions.
• Industrial Design Act, 2023 – separate framework for design protection.
• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013.

Copyright Protection

• Protects books, articles, music, films, software, photographs, and artistic works.
• Protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years.
• Registration is not mandatory but strengthens enforcement and evidentiary value.
• Civil and criminal remedies available against piracy and infringement.

Trademark Protection

• Protects brand names, logos, slogans, and distinctive signs.
• Registration through the Department of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (DPDT).
• Provides exclusive rights and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
• Registration valid for 7 years, renewable thereafter.

Patent Protection

• Protects new inventions that are novel, involve inventive step, and are industrially applicable.
• Patent term: 20 years from filing under the Patents Act, 2023.
• Applications filed with DPDT with detailed technical specification.
• Early filing is critical to preserve novelty.

Industrial Design Protection

• Protects visual appearance, shape, configuration, or ornamentation of products.
• Must be new and not previously disclosed.
• Registration available under the Industrial Design Act, 2023.

Enforcement & Remedies

• Civil remedies: injunctions, damages, account of profits.
• Criminal remedies: penalties for counterfeiting and piracy.
• Border measures and customs assistance in certain cases.
• Opposition and administrative remedies before DPDT.

International Framework

Bangladesh is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and complies with the TRIPS Agreement. It is also party to the Berne Convention and Paris Convention, ensuring reciprocal protection of IP rights internationally.

How Amar Odhikar Law Firm Can Assist

• IP audits and portfolio assessment.
• Trademark, patent, copyright, and design registration.
• Drafting IP agreements (NDAs, licensing, assignments).
• Enforcement actions and dispute resolution.
• Compliance advisory for startups, NGOs, and foreign investors.

Contact

For confidential consultation regarding intellectual property protection in Bangladesh, contact Amar Odhikar Law Firm for a tailored legal strategy.