Copyright

What is Copyright?

Copyright is author’s expression in the form of literary works, artistic works, musical compositions, films, software, and other forms of expression and provide the creator the exclusive rights to such a work.

Types of Copyright

In Malaysia, a variety of items can be subject to copyright protection, including:

Literary works

Books, Manuscripts,
and Articles

Musical works

Compositions and Musical Recordings

Artistic Works

Paintings, Sculptures, Drawings,
and Photographs

Sound Recordings

Recorded Music, Spoken Word,
and Other Audio Content

Films

Motion Pictures and
Audiovisual Works

Broadcasts

Television and Radio
Programs

Computer Programs and Software

Their Source Code and Object Code

Literary works

Books, Manuscripts,
and Articles

Musical works

Compositions and Musical Recordings

Artistic Works

Paintings, Sculptures, Drawings,
and Photographs

Sound Recordings

Recorded Music, Spoken Word,
and Other Audio Content

Films

Motion Pictures and
Audiovisual Works

Broadcasts

Television and Radio
Programs

Computer Programs and Software

Their Source Code and Object Code

What criteria must be met to qualify for copyright protection?

To be eligible for copyright protection, your literary, musical or artistic works needs to be:

Law and Regulations governing Copyright in Malaysia

Malaysia is a member of Berne Convention for the protection of Literary and Artistic. In Malaysia, copyright protection is governed by the Copyright Act 1987 and Copyright Regulations 1987. As of 18 March 2022, the new Copyright (Amendment) Act 2022 has come into operation.

Recordal of Copyright in Malaysia

In Malaysia, like many other countries, there is a system exists for the recordation of copyrighted works. While it is not mandatory, registering your copyright with the Intellectual Property office provides public notice of your ownership and rights.

Recordation of the copyrighted works also serves as prima facie evidence in a court of law that you are the original creator or rightful owner of the work, which can be helpful in case of disputes or infringement claims. Additionally, apart from claiming damages for infringement, recordation of copyright further provides the owner with statutory damages, as well as the rights to seek legal costs and attorney fees.

Document needed for Copyright Recordation in Malaysia

The following documents are required irrespective of nationality:

What can we help

Our services go beyond recording your copyright, as we actively assist clients in addressing copyright infringement issues. We have extensive experience in lodging copyright infringement complaints to online selling platforms, ensuring that unauthorized use or reproduction of your copyrighted works is swiftly addressed.

Requisite documents for Trademark Registration in Malaysia

  1. A copy of the applicant’s Malaysia Identification Card (NRIC);
  2. A high-resolution logo file; and
  3. Description of the goods/services for which the trademark will apply
  1. A copy of the Company’s Incorporation forms;
  2. A copy of the Director’s Malaysia Identification Card (NRIC) – *For partnership business, need to provide ALL partner’s NRIC
  3. A high-resolution logo file; and
  4. Description of the goods/services for which the trademark will apply

Trademark Application Process

The trademark registration process in Malaysia takes about 9-12 months to complete. In the event any objection raised during the examination stage, a longer period will be taken.

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