Trademark Renewal Process in Bangladesh: Step-by-Step Legal Process (2026)
Introduction / Overview
In today’s competitive and brand-driven commercial ecosystem, trademark registration is the bedrock of corporate identity, goodwill, and market capitalization. However, securing initial registration is only the first step. Trademark rights are not perpetual by default; maintaining active statutory exclusivity requires systematic, periodic renewals.
Allowing a trademark to lapse leaves your brand vulnerable to third-party infringement, counterfeiting, and even bad-faith reregistration by competitors. Navigating the trademark renewal process in Bangladesh requires precise adherence to statutory filing schedules, form specifications, and central registry rules. This 2026 legal guide provides an actionable roadmap to managing timely renewals, utilizing statutory grace periods, and safeguarding brand portfolios.
The Legal and Regulatory Framework
Trademark protection and maintenance in Bangladesh operate under a comprehensive statutory framework:
The Trade Marks Act, 2009: The primary legislation dictating the terms of registration, renewal procedures, restoration requirements, and grounds for removal from the register.
The Trade Marks Rules, 2015: Sets out operational procedures, prescribed forms (e.g., Form TM-12), and official registry fee schedules.
The Department of Patents, Industrial Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT): Operating under the Ministry of Industries, the Trademarks Registry of the DPDT oversees all renewal applications, examination reports, and certificate issuances.
Statutory Terms of Validity & Renewal Cycles
Under Section 22 of the Trade Marks Act, 2009, the statutory lifecycle of a trademark follows a clear timeline:
Initial Term: Registration is valid for 7 years from the original national filing date (or convention priority date).
Subsequent Renewals: Upon completing the initial term, the mark can be renewed for 10 years at a time, indefinitely, subject to payment of renewal fees.
Key Renewal Milestones & Statutory Deadlines
| Phase | Statutory Timeline | Key Requirement / Fee Status |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Renewal Window | Within 6 months prior to the expiration date. | File Form TM-12 with standard statutory renewal fees. |
| Late Renewal (Grace Period) | Up to 6 months after the expiration date. | File Form TM-12 with standard renewal fee plus mandatory late surcharge. |
| Restoration Period | Within 1 year from date of removal from the register. | File Form TM-13 (Restoration & Renewal) with petition showing justifiable cause for omission. |
Step-by-Step Practical Guide to Trademark Renewal
Maintaining an active trademark registration requires following a structured statutory workflow:
1.Deadline Audit & Portfolio Review:Phase 1.
Calculate the exact expiration date from the initial application/filing date (not the certificate issuance date). Verify that the registered owner's corporate name, address, and Nice classification details remain current.
2.Documentation & Form Drafting:Phase 2.
Draft the prescribed statutory renewal application (Form TM-12). For foreign proprietors or corporate applicants, execute a Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) authorizing a licensed local trademark attorney.
3.Submission to the DPDT & Fee Payment:Phase 3.
Lodge the formal renewal application with the Trademarks Registry of the DPDT and clear the official government renewal fees per registered class.
4.Registry Examination & Compliance Verification:Phase 4.
DPDT examiners review the renewal filing against registry records to confirm title ownership, class descriptions, and fee accuracy. Respond promptly to any official discrepancy notices.
5.Official Renewal Certificate & Journal Entry:Phase 5.
Upon satisfaction, the Registrar issues the official Trademark Renewal Certificate and updates the National Register, extending statutory protection for another 10-year term.
Critical Risks and Costly Pitfalls to Avoid
Trademark owners frequently face avoidable complications due to procedural missteps:
Calculating Deadlines from Certificate Issuance: In Bangladesh, the 7-year validity period runs strictly from the initial application filing date, not the date the registration certificate was printed and delivered.
Ignoring Unrecorded Corporate Changes: If your company has undergone a change of corporate name, registered address, or corporate restructuring/merger, you must file a formal Recordal of Change (Form TM-33 / TM-34) or Assignment (Form TM-23/TM-24) alongside or prior to the renewal.
Allowing the Grace Period to Expire: If a mark is not renewed within the 6-month grace period, the Registrar will remove it from the register. Reinstating the mark requires a more complex, costly, and discretionary restoration process.
Vulnerability to Non-Use Cancellation: Under Section 42 of the Trade Marks Act, a registered mark that remains unused in commercial trade for a continuous period of 5 years may be vulnerable to third-party cancellation petitions for non-use.
Recent Strategic Developments (2025–2026)
The trademark administration system in Bangladesh is undergoing significant digital transformation:
Integration of WIPO IPAS Electronic Systems: The DPDT has digitized registry workflows through electronic tracking and automated payment integration, reducing document handling delays.
Automated Expiration Notices: The Registry has enhanced compliance with statutory notification protocols, alerting registered proprietors and local agents prior to removal actions.
Accelerated Post-LDC Enforcement: As Bangladesh prepares for its post-LDC trade phase, judicial enforcement against counterfeit brand imitations and digital trademark infringements has tightened across the High Court and District Courts.
How The Justice Corner Manages & Protects Your Brand Assets
Managing a multi-class trademark portfolio requires proactive monitoring, strict statutory compliance, and ready-to-deploy litigation capabilities. The Justice Corner stands as a premier law firm in Bangladesh, providing end-to-end intellectual property prosecution, maintenance, and contentious enforcement.
Led by veteran advocates and UK-qualified Barristers, our specialized Intellectual Property Practice Group delivers comprehensive support across key areas:
Proactive Portfolio Audits & Renewal Management: Tracking renewal deadlines, drafting statutory forms (TM-12 / TM-13), and managing timely fee disbursements for domestic and international brand owners.
Restoration & Rectification Proceedings: Petitioning the Registrar and Higher Courts to restore accidentally lapsed marks and rectify registry entries.
Corporate Assignment & Recordal of Changes: Structuring trademark assignments, licensing deeds, and corporate mergers to ensure registry records match legal ownership.
Infringement Litigation & Anti-Counterfeiting: Issuing Cease-and-Desist notices, securing ex-parte temporary injunctions, and executing search-and-seizure operations against counterfeiters before District Courts and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long is a trademark valid in Bangladesh before the first renewal is required?
A: A registered trademark is initially valid for 7 years from the date of application filing. Subsequent renewals are valid for 10 years each.
Q: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
A: You can still renew the mark within a 6-month grace period following expiration by paying an additional late surcharge. If the grace period is missed and the mark is removed, you must file a formal application for restoration within one year of removal.
Q: Can foreign companies renew their trademarks in Bangladesh directly?
A: Foreign proprietors must appoint a duly licensed local trademark advocate or registered IP agent via a Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) to file renewals before the DPDT.
Q: Do I need to submit proof of commercial use to renew a trademark?
A: While standard renewal on Form TM-12 does not routinely require extensive physical evidence of use at the filing counter, keeping verifiable proof of commercial use is crucial to defend against third-party cancellation actions on grounds of non-use.
Legal Disclaimer: The analysis provided in this guide is organized strictly for educational, analytical, and informational tracking purposes. It does not constitute formal legal counsel. For tailored legal strategies regarding your intellectual property assets, please schedule an official consultation with our chambers.