Patent Infringement: An Overview

What is Patent Infringement?

Patent infringement occurs when someone makes, uses, sells, or imports a patented invention without the permission of the patent holder. This violation can be direct (using the exact patented method) or indirect (contributing to someone else’s infringement).

Why is Patent Protection Important?

1. Exclusivity: Patents grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, preventing others from exploiting their work without consent.
2. Incentive for Innovation: By securing patent rights, inventors are encouraged to invest time and resources into research and development.
3. Monetary Gains: Patents can be licensed or sold, providing financial benefits to the inventor.
4. Legal Recourse: Patent holders can take legal action against infringers to protect their rights.

Patent Law in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, patents are governed by the Patents and Designs Act of 1911, which establishes the legal framework for patent registration and enforcement. Key features include:

• Duration: A patent lasts for 20 years from the filing date.
• Eligibility: Inventions must be novel, non-obvious, and useful.
• Application Process: Applications are filed with the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT).

Benefits of Patent Registration

1. Legal Protection: Provides a legal framework to protect your invention from unauthorized use.
2. Commercial Advantage: Grants the patent holder a competitive edge in the market.
3. Licensing Opportunities: Patents can be licensed to others for royalties.
4. Increased Valuation: Patents can enhance the overall value of a business, making it more attractive to investors.

Risks of Not Registering a Patent

1. Loss of Rights: Without registration, you may lose the ability to protect your invention.
2. Infringement by Others: Competitors can legally use or sell your invention without compensation.
3. Decreased Market Value: Lack of patent protection can lower the commercial appeal of your product.
4. Legal Challenges: You may face difficulties proving ownership in case of disputes.

Importance of Patent Registration

• Encourages Innovation: A secure environment allows inventors to explore and develop new ideas without fear of theft.
• Supports Economic Growth: By protecting innovations, patents contribute to technological advancements and economic development.

History of Patent Registration

The concept of patents dates back to the Renaissance period, with the first known patent system established in Venice in 1474. Over the centuries, many countries developed formal patent laws, culminating in the establishment of international treaties that facilitate global patent protection.

Our Services for Patent Registration

We offer a comprehensive range of services for patent registration, including:

1. Consultation: Assessing the patentability of your invention.
2. Application Preparation: Drafting and filing the patent application.
3. Follow-Up: Managing communications with the DPDT and addressing any objections or queries.

Cost and Timeframes

• Costs: The registration process typically ranges from BDT 20,000 to 50,000, depending on the complexity of the invention.
• Duration: The patent registration process can take 1 to 2 years, depending on examination and any potential objections.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in patent law and the registration process.
• Personalized Service: We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and ensure your invention is well-protected.
• Proven Success: We have a strong track record of successful patent registrations.

By securing a patent, you can protect your innovative ideas and ensure that your contributions are recognized and rewarded. Let us guide you through the patent registration process effectively and efficiently!