The NSU Center for Legal Research, a research wing of NSU Law, organised a discussion on intellectual property in sports on 23 April as part of this year’s World Intellectual Property Day observance.
The session, titled “Intellectual Property in Sports: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in Bangladesh”, was held at the Moot Court Room of North South University.
The programme brought together academics, legal practitioners and students to discuss the growing importance of intellectual property rights in Bangladesh’s sports sector.
Advocate Mahua Zahur of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and Md Belal Hossen, assistant director for trademarks, WTO and international affairs at the Ministry of Industries, spoke at the session.
North South University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest.
Professor Nasar U Ahmed, pro-vice-chancellor of North South University, and Professor Rizwanul Islam, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, attended as special guests.
Md Belal Hossen discussed the role of trademarks in sports, including brand valuation and branding practices. He also presented a comparative analysis of international and local sports clubs, brands and equipment.
“Bangladeshi sports celebrations and brands have not developed because the initiative has not been taken,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of branding strategies and highlighted key provisions of the Trademark Act, 2009 and the Trademark Rules, 2015.
Mahua Zahur spoke on sports and broadcasting rights. She said copyright protection is linked to creativity and that broadcasters’ rights are protected because broadcasting agencies communicate content to the wider public.
She said broadcasters’ rights are treated as a special right and added that broadcasting agencies not only generate revenue but also invest significantly in the development of sports.
In his opening remarks, Professor Rizwanul Islam said the scope of intellectual property law is much broader than commonly perceived.
He said intellectual property law is not limited to rich countries and stressed that lack of respect for copyright remains a concern.
Professor Nasar U Ahmed said copyright in sports has emerged as a new dimension. He said sports is no longer merely a matter of entertainment, but has grown into a significant business sector with personal and national implications.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said World Intellectual Property Day places significant focus on the sports sector, which now extends beyond traditional fields to online games.
He also said violations are evident in the use of various sports-related products.
Speakers said intellectual property rights are becoming increasingly relevant in sports and called for greater awareness and regulatory development in Bangladesh.
The programme ended with an interactive question-and-answer session and a vote of thanks by the coordinator of the NSU Center for Legal Research.
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