Human creativity is not confined to art, literature, or technology-it is a powerful reflection of a nation's identity. The more distinct and protected the world of ideas and intellect becomes, the faster a country advances intellectually and economically. And the first condition for this distinctiveness is clear: creation must not be stolen-it must be recognized and safeguarded. Anchored in this realization, World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on April 26. This year's theme calls youth to a compelling message: Think, Create, Protect.
In the 21st century, the global power structure is shifting. The countries that can generate the most knowledge-based assets are the ones that will lead in the international arena. Be it information technology, research, design, literature, cinema, or mobile apps-today's world values originality. Unfortunately, within the very womb of creation lies the risk of theft, replication, and infringement. This is where the role of intellectual property becomes indispensable.
"Intellectual property is not just law-it is culture. We must build this culture among the youth through education, guidance, and awareness."
The concept of intellectual property is not new. Even in ancient times, creators sought recognition for their work. However, it entered the legal framework only within the last two centuries. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), IP is a legal safeguard that gives creators exclusive rights over their work-ensuring that others cannot use it without permission.
This right not only protects individual creations but also validates a nation's creative capability. If a young person can preserve their innovation, design, software, music, or graphics through legal means, they can become a brand-an economic force in their own right.
The Innovation of Youth: Overlooked and Undervalued,Bangladeshi youth are brimming with ideas. Many are developing mobile apps, writing research-driven stories, designing unique artwork, or producing experimental content on YouTube. Yet, most of this creative work remains unprotected. Once something is uploaded online, it's often used by others without credit, leaving the original creator helpless.
Creation must not be stolen-it must be recognized and safeguarded. Anchored in this realization, World Intellectual Property Day is observed every year on April 26. This year's theme calls youth to a compelling message: Think, Create, Protect.
A lack of awareness about intellectual property, complicated legal processes, and the absence of clear mechanisms discourage young innovators. And yet, with the right guidance and policy support, their talent can brighten Bangladesh's global image.
Bangladesh's Context: Challenges and Possibilities. Bangladesh has several IP-related laws in place-the Copyright Act 2000, the Patents and Designs Act 1911, and the Trademarks Act 2009. Institutions like the Copyright Office and the Department of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT) also exist. However, in practice, these services are still not fully accessible to the general public.
According to WIPO's 2023 annual report, around 3.5 million patent applications are filed globally each year-25% from China, 21% from the US, and 16% from India. In contrast, DPDT data shows that only 98 patents were filed in Bangladesh in 2022, with about 650 copyright registrations. This reflects a sort of self-defeating apathy-we are neglecting our own intellectual assets.
IT law expert Dr. Asif Mujib notes, "Our youth are full of innovative ideas, but they don't know how to protect them. IP literacy is essential in technology-based education." Similarly, young entrepreneur Nasrin Islam shares, "When I developed my first app, a foreign company copied it exactly. I didn't know how to register for copyright at that time."
Global giants like Apple, Samsung, Tesla, and Microsoft derive a significant portion of their revenue from intellectual property. Through patents, trademarks, and copyrights, they not only protect their creations but also commercialize them to achieve economic success.
If Bangladesh wants to establish a strong foothold in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it must invest in a knowledge-based economy. Startup funds, IP-friendly legislation, and innovation incubation centered around intellectual property are essential pathways to unlock future potential.
From the secondary level, students should be taught what originality means and how to protect it. At the university level, IP-related courses should be mandatory. Organizing innovation fairs, idea pitching competitions, and IP awareness camps at school and college levels can help nurture a more conscious generation.
On this occasion, the message to our young people must be simple and firm: Think, create, and protect what you create. Take inspiration from others-but not blind imitation. Invest time in developing your own ideas, use technology to innovate, and then ensure your work receives proper recognition. Because the greatest asset of any nation is the intellectual and innovative power of its people.
World Intellectual Property Day reminds us that thought is not mere imagination-it is an asset, an economic power, and a moral right. Every creative thought of the younger generation, if nurtured and protected properly, can become not just an individual strength, but the backbone of an entire nation.
Let this be our message to Bangladesh's dreamers and doers: Your thoughts can change the future. So now is the time- Think. Create. Protect.
The writer is a the Head of the Department of Sociology at Rosey Women's Honors College
