Aziz (centre) makes his point during the forum. Also seen are Sathia (right) and Jamilah. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The government has allocated RM500,000 for the registration of intellectual property (IP) by students, small businesses and young individuals below the age of 45.

Deputy director general (Industrial Property) of Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) Abdul Aziz Ismail, who disclosed this yesterday, observed that many Malaysians were still unaware of the importance of IP.

“IP is for own protection, and if others apply before you do, you lose. Registration is important for you to secure earnings. However, there is still a lack of such awareness in Malaysia,” he said during a forum on the importance of IP at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.

Also with him at the forum were MyIPO head of corporate communication division Jamilah Kamaruddin and trademark specialist Sathia Sathivel.

Jamilah noted that some individuals did not go for registration because of the fees involved.

On this, she advised that the registration fee would be worth it if they wanted to stay in business for many years.

As an example, she said the registration fee for industrial design is about RM1,000.

“And that RM1,000 is not just going to last you 10 years but your business will also be protected because others cannot use the brand.

“Some people spend RM3,000 on a smart phone which lasts two years. This they can afford but not the registration fee.”

Met by reporters later, Aziz said the registration fee for copyright is RM15, geographical indication – RM600, trademark – RM1,050 and pattern – RM1,300.

Earlier during the forum, he said Sarawak recorded the most geographical indication registrations in the entire country.

“I am from Peninsular Malaysia, and I am well aware of ikan terubok and kek lapis Sarawak. I believe there are a lot more local products that can be commercialised and registered.”

Jamilah was quick to add that many buyers went for kek lapis Sarawak instead of any kek lapis because of the reputation.

“If someone else is to brand their kek lapis as kek lapis Sarawak, it is an infringement of IP,” she said, adding that IP registration “is not just to protect businessmen but also for the good of the country.”

For more information on IP, visit www.myipo.gov.my.