The Trademark Registration process in Bangladesh, TM registration Procedure, and steps to filing a trademark are major queries about Trademark Registration. In addition, people want to know the required documents and the cost, and time for the trademark registration process in Bangladesh. Therefore, this article will provide complete guidelines on how to register a trademark in Bangladesh.
Trademark Registration in Bangladesh
Trademark Registration Procedure in Bangladesh is regulated by the Trade Marks Act, of 2009 and the Trade Marks Rules, of 1963. However, any individual claiming to be the owner of a trademark need to apply to register the trademark in Bangladesh. The registration process has been explained below step by step–
Trademark Registration Lawyer and contact number
STEP 1: SEARCHING FOR TRADEMARK REGISTRATION
Proper searching is necessary to ensure that nobody has registered the mark earlier. But searching is not mandatory. It generally takes 2 (two) to 3 (three) days to conduct the search.
STEP 2: POWER OF ATTORNEY
A foreigner or entity can file a trademark application through their representative in Bangladesh or an authorized lawyer. Therefore, a power of attorney has to issue in favor of a lawyer or to the representatives.
STEP 3: FILLING AN APPLICATION FOR TRADEMARK REGISTRATION
a) Required Documents/information
An application has to be submitted along with a few pieces of information and documents which are listed below:
- Particulars of the mark/logo/device prints or representations
- Name of the applicant, address and nationality
- If the applicant is a firm then the signatory’s name and position
- Status of the application i.e. manufacturers/merchandisers/ service providers
- Specification of goods/services/class
- Trademark date of the user (whether the mark is in use or proposed to be used in Bangladesh)
- Power of Attorney authorizing the lawyer if it requires
b) Government Fee For Trademark Application
The government fee for filing the application for registration is 3500 (three thousand and five hundred takas) or equivalent to USD. 42 (Forty-Two). You can get more information on the government fee for registration.
c) Jurisdiction To File A Trademark
The application needs to file at the Head office or any branch of the Trademark Registry having territorial jurisdiction over the principal place of business. Furthermore, If the person does not carry on business in Bangladesh, the application needs to file in the office having territorial jurisdiction over the place mentioned in the address for service in Bangladesh.
STEP 4: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF APPLICATION
Upon receiving the application along with the government fee, the Registrar will issue an automatically generated receipt. The receipt includes information related to trademark filing, e.g. Application Number, application date, trademark, etc.
STEP 5: EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION
The Registrar examines the trademark for uniqueness, matching or resemblance with existing registered trademarks. If the Registrar becomes satisfied, a Letter of Acceptance will be issued for the mark to be published in the Trade Marks Journal.
STEP 6: PUBLICATION STAGE
Thereafter, if anyone has any dispute as to the proposed trademark, he can raise it within 2 (two) months from the date of publication. The reason behind the journal publication is to invite the public to file an opposition against the registration of a mark.
STEP 7 OPPOSITION
After the publication of the trademark in the trademark journal, any person may within 2 (two) months from the date of the publication raise a dispute by giving notice of Opposition to the Registrar on Form TM-5. However, A government fee needs to pay for the notice of opposition of an amount of 2000 (two thousand takas).
a) Opposition Process
The Registrar having received the notice of Opposition, sends a copy of the Notice of Opposition to the Applicant. Thereafter, the Applicant will get an opportunity to file a Counter-Statement within 2 (two) months of receiving the notice. The Counter-Statement should contain the grounds supporting the claim. The government fee for filing a counter-statement is 1500 (one thousand and five hundred takas).
b) Counter-Statement and Appeal
Upon receiving the Counter-Statement, the Registrar will forward a copy thereof to the Opponent. Thereafter, the Registrar upon hearing from both parties shall decide on the disputed matter. However, an appeal can be made to the High Court against the decision of the registrar. However, the opposition proceeding should file within 120 (one hundred and twenty) working days of receiving the order thereof.
STEP 8: REGISTRATION
Above, If there is no dispute against the trademark publication, after the expiration of the 2 (two) months period, the Registrar will inform you to pay the required fee. Thereafter, the Registrar after receiving the fee issues a Certificate of Registration for the trademark. A registered trademark is valid for (7) seven years from the date of filing.
SEP-9 RENEWAL OF TRADEMARK REGISTRATION
A Trademark can be renewed in Bangladesh from time to time for an unlimited period upon payment of the renewal fees. However, Failure of renewal may cause of removal of the registered trademark from the Register. The renewal term can be for a period of 10 years. Please do remember that applications for renewal of a trademark should be made not more than six (6) months before the expiration of the last renewal.
NEED ANY LEGAL HELP?
Counsels Law Partners (CLP) offers services on Trademark Registration and other related matters. However, If you need any legal help or clarification about the Trademark Registration Process in Bangladesh, please reach us at:
E-mail:info@counselslaw.com
Phone:+8801700920980 (WhatsApp). +8801947470606. Address: House 39, Road 126 (3rd Floor) Islam Mansion, Gulshan-1, Dhaka.
