On 23rd April 2026, the NSU Center for Legal Research, a research wing of NSU LAW, organized a session on theme of this year’s World IP Day. The session titled “Intellectual Property in Sports: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in Bangladesh” was held in the Moot Court Room (NAC 616). The program brought together academics, legal practitioners, and students to discuss the growing importance of intellectual property in the sports sector of Bangladesh, a press release said.
The session featured Mahua Zahur, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Md. Belal Hossen, Assistant Director (Trademarks, WTO and International Affairs), Ministry of Industries.
The event was attended by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of North South University, as Chief Guest; Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor, North South University, as special guest; and Professor Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, North South University, as special guest.
Md. Belal Hossen focused on trademarks in sports. He provided a brief analysis of trademark and brand valuation. He presented a comparative analysis between international and national sporting clubs, brands, and equipment. He said, “Bangladeshi sports celebrations and brands have not developed because the initiative has not been taken.” The speaker also emphasized how branding should be designed and highlighted the significance of the Trademark Act, 2009 and the Trademark Rules, 2015.
Mahua Zahur talked on Sports and Broadcasting. She stated that “Copyright is given for creative work on the basis of creativity. Broadcasting agencies communicate to the entire community, and thus broadcasters’ rights are protected.” She further noted that it is not treated merely as copyright but rather as a special right. She also emphasized that broadcasting agencies not only generate revenue but also invest significantly in the overall development of sports.
Professor Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in his opening remarks, stated that the scope of IP law is much broader than what is commonly perceived. He noted that the discussion of IP law is not confined to a narrow framework and that IP law is not only for rich countries. He highlighted that the lack of respect for copyright remains a concern. He also emphasized that sports and IP law have a direct connection, explaining that players use various equipment and innovations that are protected under intellectual property law.
As Special Guest, Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor, North South University, addressed the audience and remarked that observed that copyright in sports has emerged as a new dimension. He noted that it is no longer merely a matter of entertainment, but has evolved into a significant business sector with both personal and national implications. He described sports as a growing industry and emphasized the important role of law in addressing grey areas and resolving disputes within this field.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, North South University, in his remarks as Chief Guest, emphasized that World Intellectual Property Day places significant focus on the sports sector. He described it as a growing field that extends beyond traditional grounds to include online games. He further highlighted those numerous violations are evident in the use of different sports-related products.
The discussion highlighted the increasing relevance of intellectual property rights in the field of sports and emphasized the need for greater awareness and regulatory development in Bangladesh. It concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants engaged with the speakers on various aspects of the topic. The program drew to a close with a formal vote of thanks presented by the Coordinator for the NSU Center for Legal Research.
