Bangladesh needs stronger intellectual property rules

As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status, the country needs to modernise its intellectual property (IP) laws to attract more foreign investment, especially from the United States, and strengthen confidence among global businesses, a US diplomat said yesterday.

Shilpi Jha, senior commercial specialist and IP policy advisor for South Asia at the US embassy in New Delhi, made the comment at a roundtable titled “Advancing the IPR Framework and the Way Forward”.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh organised the event at The Westin Dhaka.

Stronger and internationally aligned intellectual property protection is no longer just a legal requirement, but an economic necessity, the diplomat said, adding that an updated IP framework would help Bangladesh integrate more effectively into the global economy, boost exports, encourage innovation, and attract foreign direct investment.

Bangladesh has already taken important steps by enacting the Patent Act 2023 and introducing a new Design Act. However, further reforms are needed to align the country’s intellectual property system with international standards and best practices, she said.

Bangladesh currently enjoys certain flexibilities under international agreements because of its LDC status, which has delayed the full implementation of some reforms.

Nevertheless, policymakers and businesses increasingly recognise the importance of stronger IP protection for long-term economic growth, the diplomat added.

Under the Design Act, innovators can now register original industrial designs not previously available in the market.

At the same time, efforts are underway to update trademark laws to meet international standards.

Experts believe these reforms could pave the way for Bangladesh to join major international IP systems such as the Madrid Protocol and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Joining the Madrid Protocol would allow Bangladeshi businesses and entrepreneurs to apply for trademark protection in multiple countries, including the United States, India, and Nepal, through a simplified process from within Bangladesh.

Similarly, becoming a member of the PCT would enable Bangladeshi inventors to seek patent protection in numerous countries through a single international application.

Industry insiders argue that effective intellectual property protection is not only important for attracting foreign investors but also essential for supporting local industries, encouraging innovation, and helping businesses compete globally.

Weak enforcement, they warn, discourages multinational companies from introducing advanced technologies and premium products in Bangladesh due to fears of counterfeiting and misuse.

Syed Ershad Ahmed, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, underscored the strategic necessity of robust IPR enforcement for the nation’s future.

He emphasised that a secure IPR framework is vital to attracting increased foreign direct investment while giving global importers and promoters the confidence to source products from Bangladesh.