MyIPO opens satellite office in Kedah, tapping IP potential
22 January 2025
“Kedah fragrant white rice might become a new source of income for the state government and the local farmers who grow it” according to MyIPO chairman Zuhan Mohd Zain.
To capitalize on the unrealized potential of intellectual property in Kedah, the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) opened a satellite office in the area.
The state provides a wealth of options, according to MyIPO chairman Zuhan Mohd Zain, who also emphasized the need to educate business owners about IP registration. He added that to increase IP registrations, the agency intends to work with state governments, government-linked corporations (GLCs) and entrepreneurs. Copyrights, patents, trademarks and geographical indications (GIs) will be the main beneficiaries of the registrations. Many business owners manufacture a variety of goods yet frequently fail to register their intellectual property.
“As for the state government and GLCs, we will focus on registering GIs. This is because Kedah has substantial potential in this area due to the uniqueness of its products,” he told reporters during the recent launch of MyIPO’s satellite office at the Alor Star Urban Transformation Centre (UTC).
Zuhan listed several distinctive Kedah items, such as fragrant white rice, Langkawi hill salt and Langkawi gamat (sea cucumber extract), that have not yet had their intellectual property registered.
“I think the Kedah fragrant white rice might become a new source of income for the state government and the local farmers who grow it. For example, it could be registered with MyIPO and, if accepted, could increase its value and earn notoriety on the global scene,” he said. “I think this is one of Kedah’s most important opportunities. We intend to encourage more people and companies to investigate the advantages of IP registration with our new office. For more information, they are invited to stop by the office.”
Only Beris Lake grapes and Kedah white turmeric are now registered in Kedah; Langkawi Cheese’s GI registration has lapsed.
To open up new prospects, Zuhan asked the Kedah government to work with MyIPO. “We wish to highlight the numerous distinctive items that Kedah has to offer since there are over 30 GIs registered in Sarawak and over 30 in Sabah,” he said. “They will become a major tourist attraction for the state government in addition to showcasing Kedah’s advantages. In order to further penetrate the GI sector, we really wish to work with the Kedah government.”
According to Zuhan, to boost IP registration, the organization intends to open more satellite offices in Kota Baru, Kelantan; Miri, Sarawak; and Tawau, Sabah.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
