Trademark renewal in Bangladesh is a crucial step to maintaining exclusive rights to your brand and protecting your business identity. When you register a trademark in Bangladesh, it remains valid initially for seven (7) years. To keep your trademark legally protected and enforceable, you must renew it before expiration. This article explains the trademark renewal process in Bangladesh in detail to help brand owners navigate it smoothly and avoid losing valuable rights.

Why Trademark Renewal Matters in Bangladesh

Your trademark registration grants you exclusive rights to use the mark commercially. However, these rights expire if you do not renew your trademark on time. Failure to renew results in the registered trademark being removed from the official register, which exposes your brand to infringement and allows others to register the same or similar mark. Renewing your trademark maintains your legal protection and strengthens your brand’s presence in the Bangladeshi market.

Trademark Validity and Renewal Timeline in Bangladesh

• Initial Validity Period: A trademark registration in Bangladesh is valid for 7 years from the date of registration.
• Renewal Period: After the initial term, you can renew your trademark to extend protection for additional periods of 10 years indefinitely.
• When to Renew: You should file for renewal at least 6 months before the expiration date.
• Grace Period: If you miss the renewal deadline, there is a 6-month grace period after the expiry in which you can still renew your trademark by paying an additional late fee.
• Restoration Window: If you fail to renew within the grace period, you can apply for restoration within one year of expiration, though this might require extra fees and justification.

Trademark Renewal Process in Bangladesh: Step-by-Step

1. Check Renewal Due Date and Gather Documents
Confirm your trademark’s renewal due date by reviewing the Trademark Registration Certificate. Prepare the required documents which typically include:

• • Completed trademark renewal application form (TM-12 or TM-17)

  • Simple Power of Attorney (POA) signed by the trademark owner or authorized agent

  • Scanned copy of the original Trademark Registration Certificate

  • Application number and applicant details

2. Submit Renewal Application and Pay Fees
Submit your renewal application along with the supporting documents to the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT), the government authority responsible for trademark registration in Bangladesh.
Pay the official renewal fee as per DPDT requirements.

3. Application Examination by DPDT
The DPDT examines the renewal application to ensure completeness and compliance with all requirements. If everything is in order, they proceed with the renewal.

4. Issuance of Renewal Certificate
Upon approval, DPDT issues a printed Renewal Certificate confirming your trademark’s extended validity. This process typically takes between 2 to 6 months.

Costs and Fees for Trademark Renewal in Bangladesh

• Official Renewal Fee: The fee for renewing a trademark is approximately BDT 20,000 (equivalent to about $220), subject to a 15% VAT tax. This fee applies for renewing a trademark for an additional 10 years.

• Late Renewal Fee: If you renew during the grace period after expiry, an additional late fee applies, increasing the total cost to around $260.

• Restoration Fee: If you miss the renewal and grace period, restoration fees and procedures apply, with official restoration costing around $280 more.

Important Tips for Trademark Renewal

• File Early: Submit your renewal application well within the 6-month pre-expiration timeframe to avoid last-minute issues.

• Maintain Records: Keep all trademark documents and certificates organized for easy reference during renewal.

• Use Professional Assistance: Consider hiring an intellectual property agent or legal expert to handle renewal submissions and communications with DPDT to avoid pitfalls.

• Monitor Deadlines: Mark your calendar with renewal deadlines to ensure timely action. Many firms provide automated renewal reminders for clients.

What Happens if You Don’t Renew?

If you fail to renew your trademark on time and miss the grace period:

• Your trademark will be removed from the official register.

• You lose exclusive rights and protection for your brand name or logo.

• Competitors can register the same or similar trademark, causing potential brand confusion or loss.

Fortunately, a restoration process exists, but it is more complex and costly than regular renewal.

By following this detailed guide, brand owners in Bangladesh can confidently manage the trademark renewal process, protecting their intellectual property and business identity for years to come.