Copyright Registration Malaysia

is the exclusive right to control creative works created by the author

What Does Copyright Protect in Malaysia? 

Copyright in Malaysia protects various forms of work, including:  

  • Literary works (books, articles, reports)  
  • Musical works (songs, musical compositions)  
  • Artistic works (drawings, sculptures, photographs)  
  • Films and sound recordings  
  • Broadcasts and performances 

How to Register Copyright in Malaysia? 

While copyright is automatically granted, many creators choose to register their works to have
legal evidence of ownership. Though registration is not mandatory, it helps in legal disputes.  

Step1: Prepare Your Work

Ensure your work is original and eligible for copyright protection.

Step2: Submit the Application

Register your work with relevant Malaysian authorities, including the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

Step3: Await Confirmation

Once approved, you’ll have official recognition of your copyright.

What Are the Benefits of Copyright in Malaysia? 

Having copyright protection offers several key benefits:

Exclusive Rights

You have the sole right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display your work.  

Legal Protection

If someone infringes your copyright, you can take legal action and claim damages. 

Monetization Opportunities

You can license or sell your copyright, creating revenue streams from your creations.

Simple Q & A

Copyright is a right given to the creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematograph films and sound recordings. It provides a bundle of rights ranging from rights to reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation and translation of work.

Copyright Act provides protection to literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, cinematograph films and sound recordings.

Literary, Musical or Artistic Works (include computer programs and websites)
Generally, this categories of copyright work reflects to the human beings which shall subsist during the life of the author plus 50 years after his death.

Film, Sound Recordings and Performer. This categories of copyright work shall subsist for 50 years from the work was published, fixed in a fixation for the film and sound recording. For performer, the copyright work shall subsist from the performances was perform or fixation in a sound recording.

Broadcasts. For the copyright in broadcasts, it protection occurred in way of transmission either by wire or wireless means, the period for fifty years shall be computed from the which the broadcasts was first made.

Yes. Computer programme or computer software can be copyrighted under the title of ‘literary work’.