The intellectual property rights administrator plans to get automated this year to boost industrial growth.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) yesterday started working to build a central database to store all intellectual property-related data electronically.

“We want to put in place a full automated system to facilitate the IP registration and renewal procedure,” said Md Abdur Rouf, registrar of the DPDT.

Around two lakh files of patents, designs and trademarks will be converted into electronic format, he said.

The automation will help the IP office preserve files virtually, track files instantly and create global connectivity, said Mohammed Habibul Kabir Chowdhury, a deputy registrar of the department.

Bangladesh Investment Climate Fund of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is supporting the project as part of an agreement with the industries ministry.

"We'll be able to deliver cost-effective and hassle-free services once the DPDT activities are automated," said Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, industries secretary, at the inauguration of the automation of DPDT at the ministry.

The automation will offer faster and more efficient services to the businesses to protect their trademarks and innovations.

Abdullah came down hard on the present service delivery of patents and design. Steps should be taken against those who are creating hassles to the service seekers in the name of massive tasks, he said.

“The database is the first step towards automation," said AFM Mahbubul Ahsan, deputy registrar (trademark) of the department.

Through the automation, the paper-based records on registered trademarks, patents and industrial designs will be digitised and made accessible online, Ahsan said. The system will make it easier to search current registrations, submit design details and obtain registration, he said.

“The protection of intellectual property is vital for growth of industries and businesses,” said Masrur Reaz, programme manager of IFC.

Currently, businesses have to wait at least two years to get IP registration from the DPDT and the duration would come down to three to six months once the department is automated.