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Malaysia adheres to the international copyright law, which also extends to the city of Kuching. The Copyright Act 1987 is the main legislation, protecting the intellectual property rights of creators of literary, musical, artistic works, and broadcasters. This legal framework provides exclusive rights to control the use, reproduction, and adaptation of these works. Infringement of copyright can lead to civil and criminal liability, including fines and imprisonment.
Navigating copyright law can be complex. You may require a lawyer to understand the law, protect your original work or defend against allegations of copyright infringement. If you are an artist, a musician, a writer, or a broadcaster, inheritance of copyright, the transfer of rights and licensing agreements also require professional legal advice. Intellectual property disputes can escalate quickly; having expert advice from a copyright lawyer could prove invaluable.
In Kuching, like the rest of Malaysia, copyrights don't have to be registered and protection is automatic upon creation of the work. The Copyright Act 1987 delineates the rights of copyright owners and stipulates legal penalties for copyright infringements. The law upholds the fair use doctrine, allowing copyrighted material's limited use without permission for news reporting, teaching, and research. This Act also accommodates technological advances, offering protection for software and digital media.
Generally, in Malaysia, protection lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after his or her death. However, for broadcasts and sound recordings, the protection is 50 years from when the work was first published or performed.
Yes, copyright and related rights can be transferred wholly or partly to another party. Such a transfer usually has to be put in writing and signed by the copyright owner.
Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you collect evidence, stop the infringement, and recover compensation if the case concludes in your favor.
No, despite the fair use doctrine, there are limits to how much work can be used without permission. The usage should not impact the original work's market value, and credit should be given where necessary.
No, business ideas or concepts cannot be copyrighted. However, written descriptions, graphics, logos associated with the idea can be protected under copyright law.
For additional help, you can consider visiting Malaysia's Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO). They provide ample information about copyright law and can guide you on how to deal with copyright infringements. You can also refer to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) website for broader knowledge about global copyright issues.
If you require further legal assistance related to copyright, consider consulting a lawyer with specialised expertise in intellectual property law. They can assess your situation, guide you through your legal options, protect your works, or defend you in infringement cases. In such circumstances, it is paramount to act swiftly to best protect your rights.
