The number of applications for patents received by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) increase in the first three months of this year, a total of 1,474 applications were received compared with 1,469 during the corresponding period of last year.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the number of trade mark applications received for the period under review also increased from 5,794 to 6,578 applications.
“The increase clearly shows a strong awareness on the protection of intellect property in the country,” he told reporters after the National Intellectual Day 2011, today.
Ismail Sabri said although there was an increase, the ministry was now endeavouring to concentrate on applications for intellect property received from small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
He said the SMEs were found to be lacking in awareness on the importance of managing their intellectual property. Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said MyIPO also received applications for expedited examination for five patents and nine trade marks.
He said the system, which became effective on Feb 15, aimed to improve the delivery of MyIPO by shortening the period of intellectual property registration.
“Under the system, the period of registration is 20 months from the date of application and six months and three weeks for trade marks,” he said.
– Bernama
Jimmy Tan
Admin
