Understanding Trademark

A trademark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organisation, or legal entity to identify that the products or services originate from a unique source. A business also uses it to distinguish its products or services from others. In Malaysia, they are critical intellectual property component and are regulated under the Trademarks Act 2019.

 

Registration and Protection

Registering a trademark in Malaysia grants the owner exclusive rights to use it within the country for the goods and services for which it is registered. The process involves submitting an application to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), which examines it for legal compliance. Once registered, a trademark is protected for ten years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent ten-year periods.

Trademarks offer legal protection for brands, while helping to build consumer trust and loyalty. Thus, it results in fair competition and more effective economic growth.