MP laments long wait for approval of patent, trademark applications

 

Syahredzan Johan has urged the government to intensify dissemination of information regarding the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher told the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to look into the long patent and trademark application process.

“I have been informed that MyIPO takes a long time to process applications,” said Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi), referring to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia.

He said applications that faced objections may take 24 to 36 months.

“The ministry needs to address these long delays.

“Applications for trademarks and patents should not take such a long time,” he said in the debate in the Dewan Rakyat at the committee level for the domestic trade and cost of living ministry.

Syahredzan said he was informed that the delays were due to vacancies in senior MyIPO positions and asked the ministry to fill these posts soon.

MyIPO is in charge of developing and managing Malaysia’s intellectual property system, as well as administering and enforcing intellectual property legislation such as the Trademarks Act 2019, the Patents Act 1983 and subsidiary regulations.

Syahredzan also urged the ministry to intensify the dissemination of information regarding the Tribunal for Consumer Claims, saying that in this era of e-commerce, the tribunal is important to ensure members of the public understand their rights as consumers.

“Many out there are unaware of the tribunal’s jurisdiction. I believe the ministry should pay more attention to disseminating information (about the tribunal),” he said.

Established under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and administered by the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, the tribunal aims to provide an alternative forum for consumers to seek redress, hear and determine claims, and develop consumer protection law. - FMT