A trademark is a recognizable sign, word, logo, symbol, design, or combination of these that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from others.
Examples: Company names (like Nike), logos (like Apple’s logo), product names (like Coca-Cola), slogans, and even specific sounds.
Why Trademark is Needed
A trademark is needed to protect a brand’s identity. It helps to:
- Identify the source of goods or services.
- Differentiate your products from competitors in the market.
- Prevent misuse of your brand by others (like copying or counterfeit goods).
- Build trust with customers, showing them the quality and consistency they expect.
- Secure business rights legally, giving you the power to sue or stop infringers.
In short: a trademark protects your brand’s reputation and helps you grow safely in the market.
Benefits of Using a Trademark
Registering and using a trademark gives you important benefits:
- Exclusive rights to use the mark for your products/services.
- Legal protection against unauthorized use or imitation.
- Adds value to your business — trademarks are business assets that can be sold or licensed.
- Global recognition — if registered internationally, your brand becomes recognizable worldwide.
- Customer loyalty — a strong trademark helps customers quickly identify your brand and trust it.
Trademark Act in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, trademark registration and protection are governed by the Trademark Act, 2009.
Key points from the Act:
- The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industries handles registration.
- The Act defines what can be registered (like words, logos, designs, sounds) and what cannot (generic or deceptive marks).
- It gives legal rights to registered trademark owners to prevent infringement and take legal action.
- The Act also covers renewal (every 7 years) and cancellation of trademarks.
- Bangladesh follows international standards like the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement regarding trademarks.
A trademark is a unique symbol, word, logo, or design that identifies and distinguishes a company’s goods or services. It protects a brand’s identity, builds customer trust, and gives the owner exclusive rights to use the mark. In Bangladesh, trademarks are governed by the Trademark Act, 2009, managed by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT). Registering a trademark helps prevent others from copying or misusing a brand and adds value to the business.