‘Protect your intellectual property’

Mohd Zuhan (in white cap) with affordably priced daily necessities sold at MyIPO’s open day. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

Agency: SMEs realise importance only after ideas are appropriated

THERE is still a lack awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about the importance of registering intellectual property (IP) rights, says a government agency.

Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation chairman (MyIPO) Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain said that despite a 45% increase in applications this year compared to 2013, many companies had still not registered their trademark with the agency.

He said it was unfortunate that many SMEs only realised the importance of registering their IP, such as trademarks and copyrights, after their ideas had been appropriated by other parties.

“Although some entrepreneurs see IP registration as expensive, copyright protection, for example, is only RM200 for 50 years while trademark registration is RM950 for 10 years of legal protection with an option to renew,” he said.

Mohd Zuhan said that even though the SME sector comprised 97% of the national economy, registration of IP rights was based on a company’s own needs and was not compulsory, unlike registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

“Registration of IP is very low among Malaysian SMEs and we have to be more aggressive with it.

“Up until August, only 33.9% of 40,065 applications received were made by Malaysian companies.

Activities at the two-day event included an Explorace.

“This is where MyIPO steps in, by pushing for greater awareness and encouraging SMEs to register their interests,” he said during MyIPO’s Open Day at its new headquarters at PJ Sentral in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

At the opening ceremony, Mohd Zuhan reaffirmed MyIPO’s commitment to raise awareness of IP through various initiatives such as roadshows and its Intellectual Property Academy.

He said MyIPO planned to increase the organisation’s visibility by making its facilities accessible.

“For instance, there will be a gym mainly for employees that will also be open to the public, as well as a ballroom and cafe which will also be available for public use.

“The academy has been very popular since we moved into the new building six months ago, and we have events such as seminars and courses lined up all year round.”

He said the new headquarters was also designed to help people find the services and information they needed more easily.

“Each department has its own floor, allowing for a more organised and easier trademark registration process for businesses,” he added.

The two-day event, which was held in conjunction with MyIPO’s 20th anniversary, included an Explorace, booths selling daily necessities, activities as well as talks about IP and seminars on running online businesses.