Malaysia joins WIPO Alert
16 September 2024
As part of its efforts to enhance intellectual property enforcement in the digital age, Malaysia formally joined the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) data sharing platform WIPO Alert recently, according to Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
According to him, WIPO Alert is an online tool that lets law enforcement organizations post and retrieve lists of websites found to be violating copyright. The platform is managed by WIPO, which is under the United Nations.
“With this participation, Malaysia is now at the forefront alongside 14 other countries that have joined the platform. Through this information-sharing initiative, Malaysia can strengthen efforts to combat copyright violations on digital platforms, thereby protecting intellectual property owners,” he said in a statement. “This initiative not only enhances the country’s intellectual property enforcement but also streamlines existing processes and actions in combating digital piracy and unauthorized advertising content.”
Previously, at the WIPO headquarters in Geneva, he had attended the signing ceremony of a letter of understanding (LOU) between the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) and WIPO.
According to Armizan, Malaysia’s involvement in WIPO Alert demonstrates the country’s dedication to protecting the rights of intellectual property owners and maintaining the integrity of the online market. He reported that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s Enforcement Division, along with MyIPO and other relevant organizations, blocked 4,084 websites between 2018 and 2024.
“These blocks were imposed for violations of copyright content. The development and strengthening of enforcement within this digital ecosystem must continue, and I will ensure that Malaysia’s collaboration with WIPO will progress through capacity-building and training,” said Armizan. “Additionally, Malaysia’s active involvement in international conferences on digital enforcement issues is crucial to curbing any form of activity related to digital copyright violations.”
He added that creating an environment that supports of intellectual property is crucial for promoting foreign investment and boosting the nation’s economy.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
