Onion farming in Kuala Bikam, Perak. — Filepic
THERE are at least five popular products in Perak with the potential to be registered for protection as heritage intellectual property under geographical indications (GI).
Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) chairman Dr Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain said the products in question were milk corn, Kuala Sepetang mangrove charcoal, Perak onions, Batu Kurau durian, Sungai Perak catfish and Teluk Intan giant river prawn.
“We are worried that if these famous products that are synonymous with Perak are not protected under GI, the state will lose the rights to the names.
“The significance of these products being registered under GI, adds to their attraction and also helps increase the state government’s economic revenue,” he said when met after launching the MyIPO Satellite Office at Menara Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) in Ipoh, Perak.
A durian stall in Menglembu. — Filepic
Mohd Zuhan said he hoped that the authorities would register the intellectual property for the products in question, as they were considered to have their own uniqueness and quality.
He said the opening of the first MyIPO satellite office in Perak was aimed at making it easier for entrepreneurs, designers, innovators and professionals to protect their creations and product branding.
Previously, intellectual property owners in Perak had to travel to MyIPO branch in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, said Mohd Zuhan.
“The opening of this office will encourage more individuals and businesses to protect their innovations and work, thus contributing to the state’s economic development,” he told Bernama.
In addition, he said MyIPO had received 53,456 intellectual property applications from January to October, compared to 50,570 applications in the corresponding period last year.
He said 34,479 applications were from foreigners while 18,977 were from Malaysians.
