Patent Application System in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is going to be Developing country within next two years. The patent system in Bangladesh is uprising and the quality is enhancing day by day. The process for filing patent application process in Bangladesh is disclosed hereunder.

Did you invent something? Please go for patent before knowing someone. In this article we will discuss why you go for patent, where to go and what document is required for filing a patent application.

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. The invention must be related with a technological process or a product that offers a new technical solution to a problem.

To get a patent in Bangladesh you can file an application for patent online. In this article you can learn how you can file an application in details.

To get a patent, you must have written document in English on your invention, which is considered as a patent specification where technical information about the invention must be disclosed.

The technical information will be published to the public through Bangladesh Gazette to get public opinion and for public disclosure. Don’t worry about the public disclosure, this is patent office’s as well as government’s responsibility as mentioned in the patent law to kept secret and secure your invention. For further information on disclosure to public you may read Bangladesh Patent Act, 1911.

After filing patent application, you are secured of your invention. Your invention is typically protected from the date of filing. So, filing first is important.

Disclose your invention to the public is also important for the government and for the society. This is because research organization and business community would be alert about your invention and they avoid if they do conduct research with the same invention and or product or process. Another reason is that the businessmen may be interested to buy or licence the patent and make business with the invention. This could create a further opportunity for the researcher to get investment or remuneration.

All the above things are possible if you file a patent application.

How can you file a patent application in Bangladesh?

There are two different ways to file patent application in Bangladesh.

1. Online patent application process

2. Direct hardcopy filing process.

If you are a natural and national of Bangladesh, it is more convenient for you to file online patent application in Bangladesh. To file online patent application just go directly to the website and follow the instruction for filing online patent application. There you can submit online application. But be careful about some point which are not mentioned onto the instruction.

If you are a Bangladeshi national, you will be verified online through the national citizen database. You will also be verified by your mobile number and e-mail address at the same time.

You will have option to choose a agent or attorney for next time commination for your patent application. But think if you are so smart to manage your property why you choose another option. You can file directly to the patent office.

To file a patent application online you do not need to be worry about application form and fee. The online system automatically carry you to your destination. You just follow the instruction and be careful about what is going; right or wrong?

If you are not a natural person or a company, it is easier to file patent application in Bangladesh. If you decide to file application online the process is same. Additionally, you should be nominated a person who will deal with the patent office of Bangladesh. You will have option to choose a person who will work you or an agent or an attorney.

The second way to file a patent application in Bangladesh through hard copy, I mean in off-line mood. If you do you must consider the application form, fee, documentation all these. Some people discourage to file by this way.

How can foreign national file patent application directly in Bangladesh?

In one sense the process is same. In case of patent application, you there are applicant, inventor, owners etc. So the role of a foreign national is constant. Such as a foreign may role as inventor, as applicant but he cannot file patent application.

Is there any directly method to file patent application?

Go directly to the website and follow the instruction for filing patent application. A foreign national either inventor of the invention or applicant for the application must choose a Bangladeshi nation or agent or must have address for service in Bangladesh. This is lawful criteria for online filing patent application of a foreign national.

The foreign national who are facing difficulties to choose a local agent, please be remembered that according to the existing BangladeshPatent Act, 1911 and its rules thereunder you are not directed to maintain a agent. As we see that in the existing rules, there are no such provisions for registered patent agent or attorney.

So, a foreign national can get the opportunity to file online patent application directly in Bangladesh. The online process is better at the current situation for this purpose. But you should keep in mind that you must have to have legal authorized person in Bangladesh or any Bangladeshi national who verify you through the online system or website.

Bangladesh is a contracting member state of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) yet. As a result, no foreign national is allowed to get the opportunity for filing patent application by this route. But at present Paris route is open as Bangladesh is a member of Paris Convention from the beginning.

If you already filed a patent application in your own country or some other country, you should have a priority certificate from the respective patent office and along with that copy you can file priority patent application directly within twelve months from the date of original filing patent application.

While filing priority patent application you should keep in mind that the online filing process in Bangladesh is not fully automated. Once you submitted the application, the patent office receives the application during the opening hour of the schedule office time.

So, you need to take extra care if you are at the eleventh hour of your twelve months according to the priority rule of Paris Convention.

What is the Requirement to File Patent Application in Bangladesh?

According to the existing Patentsand Designs Rules, 1933 to file a patent application in Bangladesh either online or hard copy the following may be required:

1. A prescribed application form with prescribed fee

2. A request letter or cover letter

3. Provisional or Complete Specification including claims, abstract and drawing(s) (drawing is required if applicable)..

4. Priority Document (for foreign application, if any)

5. Endorsement or deed of assignment (if applicable).

6. Power of Authority (if any/ if applicable)

The application form and required fees can be seen from the respective website. But if you decided to file patent application directly through online the required document may not be submit according to the present guideline/ instructions. In that case you just mention the information onto the right fields.

Can you make payment online for Patent filing in Bangladesh?

The answer would be Yes. If you file patent application online in Bangladesh, while submitting the application, as a general consequence you will see option for make payment online. You can use any Bangladeshi schedule bank’s account or card or mobile wallet for making payment.

You can use VISA or Master card for making payment in Bangladesh. But this a question where a foreign national can make payment or not using a foreign bank account or card.

This because patent office is not allowed to receive foreign currency. They receive only Bangladeshi Taka.

The required fees for filing patent application in Bangladesh is automatically counted by online system. You do not need to pay attention to count the fee. Even you do not need to choose the respective application form for filing patent application in Bangladesh. The system automatically directed you according to the procedure.

Apart from that you have option to do it manually.

This is impartment to remember that you got the patent application number after submitting the patent application. Once you received patent application number usefully, you should follow the process of examination and track the application.

Finally maintain a portfolio and plan a management system for your patent application.