Protect your work of art

Copyright is an Intellectual Property right attributed to the skill and labour of an individual in the creation and expression of an original idea and it protects original works such as literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works.

A collection of music can have separate copyrights for distinct tunes, sound recordings, craftsmanship, and so on. Whilst copyright can protect the work of art of your logo, you could additionally register the logo as a trademark.

Your copyright is automatically granted

  • Sufficient effort has been expended to make the work original in character
  • The work has been written down, recorded or reduced to a material form
  • The author is a qualified person, or the work is either made or first published in Malaysia

Protect your work of art

A collection of music can have separate copyrights for distinct tunes, sound recordings, craftsmanship, and so on. Whilst copyright can protect the work of art of your logo, you could additionally register the logo as a trademark.

Your copyright is automatically granted

  • Sufficient effort has been expended to make the work original in character
  • The work has been written down, recorded or reduced to a material form
  • The author is a qualified person, or the work is either made or first published in Malaysia

What are the benefits of owning a copyright?

The main advantage of owning a copyright, especially one to a piece of work that is commercially appealing is the earning potential in terms of royalties. Many authors, musicians and software writers have profited greatly by licensing their copyrights to other parties.

By understanding and using your copyright and related rights protection, you can:

  • Permit your copyright for use by others however hold the proprietorship.
  • Offer the copyright however hold the ethical rights.
  • Object if your work is distorted or mutilated.

Copyright step-by-step process

Copyright Protection

In Malaysia, copyright protection is provided under the Copyright Act 1987. There is no formal copyright registration process (due to automatic protection by virtue of Berne Convention) but in order to afford copyright owners more tangible protection, the author can now notify and deposit a copy of the work eligible for copyright with MyIPO. As such, proper documentation can be prepared to prove ownership.

 

Malaysia is a signatory of the Berne Convention and therefore, copyrighted work created in Malaysia would be recognized by each contracting member country of the Berne Convention. The list of members of the Berne Convention can be found on this website: http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ShowResults.jsp?treaty_id=15

Please be informed that works created in Malaysia are eligible for copyright not only in Malaysia but also in the member countries of the Berne Convention around the world, including the European Union, the United States, Australia, Japan, China, Korea, etc. Exploitation of creative works in foreign countries is thus possible for copyright owners in Malaysia

How Intellect can help:

In Malaysia, protection for copyright owners is accorded under the Copyright Act 1987 which allows them to sue for damages in the event of infringement.

There is no formal registration system for copyrights in Malaysia as these are granted automatically. However, under Section 42 of the Copyright Act 1987, the owner can prepare a Statutory Declaration as a supporting document or file a Voluntarily Notification and deposit his/her copyrighted work with MyIPO.

We provide services in the preparation of Statutory Declaration for clients who wish to undertake this precautionary measure for their copyright protection.

  • Compilation of evidence of any infringing copyright materials
  • Research on copyright laws
  • Copyright anti-piracy advice
  • Copyright-related litigation support

Documents required for Copyright Recordation in Malaysia

The following documents are required irrespective of nationality:

  1. Copy of the works in material form i.e. on paper, CDs/DVDs, external hard disk, flash drive, or sim card;
  2. Copy of the respective company incorporation forms if Applicant is a company, or copy of identification card(passport for international applicant) in case of a natural person Applicant; and
  3. Copy of the Author’s identification card or passport.

Our Satisfied Client

Company NameLogoCopyright
Thurga’s industries Sdn. Bhd.Thurga’s Incense Sticks

Semlouis Enterprise Sdn. BhdAurat Sarung Kaki Wuduh
Chuan Sin Sdn. Bhd.Spritzer Love
Mula Car International Sdn. Bhd.Mula Android App
Musicmind Sdn. Bhd.My Music School

Frequent Asked Questions

What is copyright?

Copyright is the exclusive right given by law for a determinable time period to the author of the work to control the use of the work in Malaysia

Which areas of works are eligible for copyright?

A copyright protects the following list of works:

  • literary works including computer software
  • musical works
  • artistic works
  • films, sound recordings, and broadcasts

Does Malaysia have a registration system for copyright?

There is no registration for copyright in Malaysia. The work is protected automatically upon creation.

How do I use a copyright symbol?

In practice, the © symbol is usually followed by the year when copies of the work were first made available, and the name of the copyright owner. Sometimes there may also be a statement indicating the terms of permitted use. In cases where owners only allow their works for very limited usage, the term “All Rights Reserved” may be found after this symbol.

What are the qualifications for protection of copyright?

The author is a qualified person;

Sufficient effort has been expanded to make the work original in character;

The work has been written down, recorded or otherwise reduced into material form; and

The work is made in Malaysia or the work is first published in Malaysia.

Interested to know more?

Chu Siew Siew

 

Tel: 012 493 0903

Email: sschu@intellect-worldwide.com

View Profile

Alex Neoh

 

Tel: 012 361 3100

Email: alex@intellect-worldwide.com

View Profile

Liang Pey Huey

 

Tel: 012 423 7100

Email: ipb01@intellect-worldwide.com

View Profile

Nike Quik

 

Tel:019 277 4100

Email: ipb02@intellect-worldwide.com

View Profile