We were privileged to assist Reams Technologies Sdn Bhd in securing a copyright certificate for their innovative "Reams Software." This crucial step provided Reams Technologies with the added legal certainty and proof of ownership they needed for their valuable software. The successful notification of their copyright through MyIPO has empowered Reams Technologies Sdn Bhd to confidently develop, market, and license their software, knowing their intellectual property is officially recognized and protected.Reams Software is an innovative tool designed to streamline and automate building maintenance schedules, with a particular focus on preventive maintenance strategies.
Picture of Copyright Certificate
Picture of me and Yeoh Mun Foong, founder of Reams Technologies Sdn Bhd
Copyright is an essential legal protection for creators, safeguarding their original works from unauthorized use. In Malaysia, copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work, meaning you don't have to register it to be protected. However, a voluntary copyright notification system exists through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), offering significant advantages for creators.
What is Voluntary Copyright Notification?
Voluntary copyright notification is a process where creators can formally record details of their copyrighted work with MyIPO. While not mandatory for copyright protection, it serves as an official record and can be highly beneficial in proving ownership and deterring infringement.
Benefits of Copyright Notification
Opting for voluntary copyright notification offers several compelling benefits:
Prima Facie Evidence of Ownership: A copyright certificate issued by MyIPO acts as prima facie evidence in any legal proceedings. This means it is accepted as true unless proven otherwise, significantly strengthening your position in cases of infringement.
Deterrent to Infringement: The existence of an official copyright record can deter potential infringers. Knowing that the creator has formally documented their ownership makes it less likely for others to misuse the work.
Facilitates Licensing and Assignment: Having a clear, officially recognized record of ownership makes it easier to license your work to others or assign your copyright to another party. This provides greater certainty and security for all involved.
International Recognition: While Malaysian copyright is territorial, a local notification can be a useful document when seeking copyright protection or enforcing rights in other jurisdictions, often serving as a foundational piece of evidence.
Valuable Asset for Business: For businesses, copyrighted works like software, marketing materials, or design elements are valuable intellectual property assets. Notifying these works enhances their tangible value and can be crucial for mergers, acquisitions, or investment.
Works That Can Be Submitted for Notification
A wide range of original works can be submitted for voluntary copyright notification, including but not limited to:
Literary Works: Novels, poems, articles, scripts, textbooks, research papers, and literary compilations.
Artistic Works: Paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and illustrations.
Musical Works: Compositions and arrangements.
Software: Source code, object code, and related documentation.
In conclusion, while copyright protection is automatic, voluntary copyright notification in Malaysia offers invaluable benefits that can significantly strengthen a creator's position. It provides a robust legal foundation, acts as a deterrent against infringement, and streamlines the management of your intellectual property. We encourage all creators to consider this important step in safeguarding their original works.
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