Copyright registration in Bangladesh is the recording of an original work, such as software, a book, music, film, artwork or website content, in the Register of Copyrights maintained by the Copyright Office under the Copyright Act 2023. Copyright exists automatically on creation, but a registration certificate is strong prima facie evidence of ownership and makes enforcement, licensing and takedowns far easier.
Copyright registration in Bangladesh is administered by the Bangladesh Copyright Office under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, now under the Copyright Act 2023, which replaced the Copyright Act 2000. The law protects original literary, artistic, musical and dramatic works, films, sound recordings, computer programs and several newer digital forms. Registration is voluntary.
You do not need to register to own copyright, but owners who do register are in a much stronger position. When a software house, publisher, musician or brand owner faces copying, the first question from a court, platform or police is: can you prove the work is yours and when it was created? A registration certificate answers that.
On this page
Works you can register
- Computer software and source code, including mobile apps
- Books, articles, manuals, course material and other literary works
- Musical works, lyrics and sound recordings
- Films, videos, documentaries and audiovisual content
- Artistic works: paintings, illustrations, photographs, logos as artwork, architectural drawings
- Website content, databases and compilations with original selection or arrangement
Who should register copyright
Registration is most valuable where the work has commercial value or is likely to be copied. Software companies register products before selling licences or pitching to investors. Publishers and authors register books before distribution. Brands often register the artwork of a logo with the Copyright Office in parallel with trademark registration at DPDT, because the two rights protect different things.
Employers should also check ownership. Works made by employees in the course of employment usually belong to the employer, but works made by freelancers or agencies may not unless there is a written assignment. Registration is a good moment to fix those gaps.
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Documents for copyright registration
- Application in the prescribed form with details of the work, author, owner and publication status
- Copies of the work: printed copies, digital files, or for software, a portion of the source code in the format the Office accepts
- NID or passport of the applicant, and company documents if the owner is an entity
- Assignment deed or no-objection letter where the applicant is not the author
- Power of attorney if filed through a representative
- Prescribed fee, which varies by type of work
Process at the Copyright Office
After the application is filed, the Office reviews it and gives notice so that anyone claiming an interest in the work can object within the period allowed. If no objection is received, or objections are resolved, the work is entered in the Register of Copyrights and a certificate is issued. If an objection is lodged, the Registrar hears both sides before deciding.
The certificate records the title, class of work, author, owner and registration number. Keep it with the deposited copy, because together they show exactly what was registered.
Common mistakes
- Registering in the founder's personal name when the business should own the work
- No written assignment from freelance developers, designers or writers
- Depositing a version so different from the commercial product that the certificate does not clearly cover it
- Assuming copyright protects a name, slogan or idea; names and slogans need trademark protection
- Not registering major new versions or derivative works separately where it matters
Using copyright registration in disputes and licensing
A registration certificate is most useful when something goes wrong. Online marketplaces, app stores and social media platforms act faster on takedown requests backed by a certificate. In a civil suit or criminal complaint under the Copyright Act 2023, the certificate shifts the burden to the other side to disprove your ownership. Investors and acquirers also look for registered copyright in software and content businesses during due diligence, and licensees prefer to pay royalties to an owner whose title is on record.
How the process works
- Ownership checkWe confirm who the author and owner are and prepare assignments where contractors or co-authors are involved.
- Prepare the depositWe help select and format the copies, or the source code extract, that will be filed with the application.
- File the applicationThe application, supporting documents and fee are submitted to the Copyright Office.
- Objection periodWe monitor the file during the notice period and respond if any objection or query is raised.
- Certificate issuedOnce registered, we verify the certificate details and advise on licensing and enforcement use.
Typical timeline: Where there is no objection, copyright registration typically completes within a few months of filing, depending on documents and the Copyright Office's processing; objections extend the timeline.
How Tax & VAT Associates helps
- Ownership and chain-of-title review, including employee and contractor assignments
- Preparation of the application and deposit materials for software, books, music, film or artwork
- Filing and follow-up with the Bangladesh Copyright Office
- Handling objections and queries during the notice period
- Licence and assignment agreements once the work is registered
Frequently asked questions
Is copyright registration mandatory in Bangladesh?
No. Copyright arises automatically when an original work is created. Registration is voluntary, but the certificate serves as prima facie evidence of ownership, which makes it much easier to enforce your rights, request platform takedowns, file complaints or prove ownership to investors and licensees.
Can I register software copyright in Bangladesh?
Yes. Computer programs are protected as literary works, and the Copyright Office accepts software registrations. You typically deposit part of the source code and a description of the program. Registering is common for software houses that license products or pitch to investors.
How long does copyright last?
The term depends on the type of work and is set by the Copyright Act 2023. For most literary and artistic works it lasts for the author's lifetime plus a fixed number of years after death; other works, such as films and sound recordings, have terms counted from publication. We confirm the term for your specific work.
Should I register my logo as copyright or trademark?
Ideally both, for different reasons. Trademark registration at DPDT protects the logo as a brand identifier for specific goods or services. Copyright registration protects the artwork itself against copying. Many businesses file the copyright first because it can be quicker, then rely on both rights.
Can a foreign author register copyright in Bangladesh?
Works of authors from Berne Convention countries are already protected in Bangladesh, but foreign owners can still register locally to obtain a Bangladeshi certificate that is convenient for local enforcement. The application is usually filed through a local representative under a power of attorney.
Can I register a website or app design?
The text, graphics, photographs, illustrations and underlying code of a website or app can be registered as literary or artistic works, usually as separate items or as a compilation. The general idea or functionality is not protected by copyright. Brand names and logos used on the site should also be filed as trademarks at DPDT for full protection.
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Learn more →Last reviewed: . Bangladesh tax and regulatory rules change with each Finance Act, SRO and authority circular. This page is general guidance; confirm current requirements for your case before filing.