Copyright protection is automatic, but enforcing it is not
The moment you write, design, compose, or code something original, copyright protection kicks in. You do not have to register it. Bangladesh's Copyright Act 2023 makes that automatic.
But automatic protection and enforceable protection are two different things. If someone copies your work and you go to court without a registered copyright, you have to prove ownership from scratch, and that takes time and money. A registered copyright is legal evidence. It shifts the burden back to the infringer.
That is the practical case for registration. And if infringement is already happening — whether someone is selling counterfeit copies of your work, plagiarizing your content, or using your software without a licence, you need a copyright lawyer in Bangladesh who knows how to build a case that actually holds up in court.
That is what we do. NB & Associates provides copyright protection services in Bangladesh, from first registration to full litigation when it comes to that.
Automatic from creation
Your copyright exists the moment your work is fixed in tangible form — written, recorded, or saved.
Registration strengthens your position
Registered copyright is prima facie evidence of ownership in Bangladesh courts. Easier to enforce, harder to contest.
Lifetime + 60 years
For most works, protection lasts the author's lifetime plus 60 years. Films and recordings: 60 years from publication.
Filed with the Copyright Office
Under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (MOCA), separate from the DPDT, which handles trademarks and patents.
Copyright Registration
We handle your registration with the Copyright Office under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Most applicants run into problems at the documentation stage. We prepare the application, submit the required documents, follow up on the status, and ensure your certificate is issued without unnecessary delays.
Infringement & Enforcement
Someone is using your work without permission. Here is what we do — we assess the infringement, send a cease and desist letter, pursue a takedown if the content is online, and if that does not work, we take the case to the Copyright Board or court. We move quickly because infringement does not stop on its own.
Licensing & Agreements
If you want to allow others to use your work — on specific terms, for a fee, or under conditions — you need a proper licence agreement. We draft licensing contracts that protect your rights while letting others use your work the way you intended. A handshake deal does not hold up when something goes wrong.
Court Representation
When it goes to court, we represent you. We argue copyright cases before the District Courts, the Copyright Board, and the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Our Chamber Director helped write the Copyright Act 2023 — which means we know exactly how judges read that law.
Copyright Advisory
Not sure if what you are doing infringes someone else's copyright? Not sure what you can legally use from the internet? We give clear, practical advice on fair dealing, permitted use, orphan works, and how to use third-party content without creating legal liability for your business.
Cross-Border Copyright
Bangladesh is a signatory to the Berne Convention, which means your Bangladesh copyright is automatically recognised in over 180 countries — and vice versa. We advise international clients on protecting their copyright in Bangladesh and Bangladeshi creators on protecting their work abroad.
Our copyright protection attorney team works with
Copyright issues look different depending on who you are. Here is who comes to us — and why.
Creators & Artists
Writers, musicians, photographers, and designers who need their work registered and protected — especially online.
Software & Tech Companies
Businesses whose core value sits in their code, platform, or digital content need protection against copying.
Publishers & Media
Publishers, media companies, and broadcasters are protecting their content libraries from reproduction and piracy.
International Businesses
Foreign companies with copyright-protected works operating in Bangladesh, or Bangladeshi creators going global.
Copyright Infringement Bangladesh
Someone is using your work without permission. Here's what happens next.
Copyright infringement in Bangladesh is more common than most people think — and in the digital space, it is happening constantly. Content gets republished without credit. Software gets cracked and distributed. Designs get copied and sold. Music gets used in commercial videos without a licence.
Here is the thing — if your copyright is registered, you are in a much stronger position to act fast. We start with a cease and desist letter, which resolves a significant number of cases without going to court. If that does not work, we file before the Copyright Board or bring a civil or criminal action in the appropriate court.
Criminal penalties under Bangladesh's Copyright Act include imprisonment and fines for deliberate infringement. Civil remedies include injunctions, damages, account of profits, and delivery up of infringing copies. The right route depends on the scale and intent of the infringement — and we will give you an honest assessment of both before you commit to anything.
And if you have been accused of infringement, we defend that too. Not every claim is valid. We have seen plenty of cease and desist letters that do not hold up on examination.
Common infringement types we handle
Online content copying
Articles, photographs, and creative content reproduced on websites, social media, or digital platforms without permission.
Software piracy
Unlicensed copying, distribution, or modification of software — a growing issue in Bangladesh's tech sector.
Music & film piracy
Unauthorised reproduction or distribution of audio-visual content, including streaming and physical copies.
Counterfeit publishing
Books, educational materials, and printed content reproduced and sold without the publisher's or author's consent.
Design reproduction
Artistic works used in commercial contexts — packaging, advertising, products — without a licence or attribution.
More Than 500 Clients We Serve
Indicative Clients (National & International)
Bangladesh's Copyright Act — what changed and why it matters
Bangladesh's copyright legislation was updated significantly in recent years. The Copyright Act 2023 replaced earlier legislation and brought the country's framework more in line with international standards under the Berne Convention and TRIPS Agreement.
Our Chamber Director, Mr. Nabendu Bhattacharjee, was a key contributor to drafting this Act. That is not just a credential — it means we understand the intent behind every clause, which matters when cases come down to interpretation.
What the Act covers
Literary, musical, artistic works, films, sound recordings, broadcasts, and computer software.
Software piracy
Unlicensed copying, distribution, or modification of software — a growing issue in Bangladesh's tech sector.
Where to register
Copyright Office under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) — separate from DPDT.
International recognition
Bangladesh is a signatory to the Berne Convention — automatic protection in 180+ countries.
Criminal penalties
Deliberate infringement carries imprisonment and fines under the Act.
Civil remedies
Injunctions, damages, account of profits, and destruction of infringing copies.
Copyright questions we get asked most
Do I need to register my copyright in Bangladesh?
No — copyright protection is automatic the moment you create an original work. But registration with the Copyright Office gives you a public record of ownership, which makes enforcement in court significantly easier. Without registration, you can still sue for infringement, but you will need to prove ownership through other means — drafts, timestamps, witness statements. Registration removes that burden.
What does copyright protect in Bangladesh?
Under Bangladesh’s Copyright Act 2023, copyright covers literary works (books, articles, code), musical works, artistic works, films, sound recordings, broadcasts, and computer software. It does not protect ideas — only the expression of those ideas. So the concept for your book is not protected, but the actual written manuscript is.
How long does copyright last in Bangladesh?
For most works, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years. For films, sound recordings, and broadcasts, the term is 60 years from the date of publication. After that, the work enters the public domain and can be used freely.
What can I do if someone uses my work without permission?
You have several options depending on the situation. We typically start with a cease and desist letter — this resolves many cases quickly without going to court. If that does not work, we can file a complaint with the Copyright Board, pursue a civil claim for damages and injunction, or bring a criminal case for deliberate infringement. The right route depends on the nature and scale of what is happening. Contact us and we will give you an honest picture of your options.
Is my Bangladesh copyright protected in other countries?
Yes. Bangladesh is a signatory to the Berne Convention, which means your copyright is automatically recognised in all 180+ member countries without needing separate registration in each. The same applies in reverse — foreign works are automatically protected in Bangladesh under the Convention.
How much does copyright registration cost in Bangladesh?
Government filing fees at the Copyright Office are relatively low — the total cost depends on the type of work being registered. Legal fees for handling the process vary by complexity. Contact us and we will give you a clear breakdown for your specific situation. The first consultation is free.
Need A Copyright Lawyer in Bangladesh?
Tell us what is going on — registration, infringement, licensing, or a dispute. We will give you an honest assessment of where you stand, at no charge.