Your work carries a name.
That name deserves protection.

A straightforward trade mark application with MyIPO typically takes between 18 and 24 months from filing to registration, assuming no objections are raised during examination. If a third-party opposition is filed, the timeline extends further. We provide you with a realistic estimate at the start of each matter and keep you informed when the position changes.

Copyright protection under the Copyright Act 1987 arises automatically upon creation of a qualifying work — there is no registration system in Malaysia. What matters is that you can demonstrate ownership and the date of creation. Our advisory covers how to document that position, structure assignments correctly, and address gaps in the chain of title that often appear during diligence.

The Madrid System (administered by WIPO) allows applicants to file a single international application covering multiple member territories, using a Malaysian base application or registration. It is not always the most efficient route — the choice depends on which markets matter most to your business and the class coverage you need. We assess this as part of every trade mark engagement.

The options depend on whether you hold a registered mark, when the other party began using their mark, and how close the marks and goods or services are. We begin with a written case assessment that sets out the evidence available, the likely defences the other party could raise, and the realistic remedies — before recommending a course of action. Pre-action correspondence is often the most productive first step.

An availability search covers the MyIPO trade mark register for identical and similar marks in the relevant class or classes. The result is a written note setting out what we found, our view on the likelihood of objection, and any marks that merit attention before filing proceeds. It is not a clearance opinion — no search can rule out all risk — but it gives you a clear picture of the landscape before you commit to a filing.

Our professional fees are set out on a per-engagement basis. MyIPO official fees are billed separately and passed through at cost. For enforcement matters, we quote a fee for the initial case assessment and then provide estimates for each subsequent stage, so you are not committed beyond the point you have approved. There are no hidden disbursements.