NEW COPYRIGHT GUIDELINES TO STRENGTHEN COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY - MYIPO

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Copyright users and art activists in the creative industry, especially the music industry, welcome the introduction of the Copyright (Collective Management Organisation) Guidelines 2025 issued by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

MyIPO said in a statement that the guidelines, which will come into effect on Jan 16, 2026, are believed to strengthen copyright protection and ensure that collective management organisations (CMOs) operate more transparently, efficiently and fairly.

"The introduction of these guidelines is a new chapter for the Malaysian copyright industry, reflecting the government's commitment to empower the copyright ecosystem and ensure clearer monitoring of CMOs.

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"With these guidelines, the country's creative industry is expected to be more structured, benefiting not only copyright users and art activists but also CMOs in carrying out their responsibilities more effectively," he said.

According to him, the guidelines have been drafted comprehensively taking into account the views of all stakeholders including CMOs, copyright users, art activists and ministries where this approach is to ensure that the documents are fair, impartial, and able to meet the needs of the industry in the long term.

He also said the introduction of these guidelines is a proactive step following the amendment of the Copyright Act 1987, which came into effect on March 18, 2022 which empowers the Copyright Controller to enact and enforce guidelines to ensure more structured and effective CMO governance.

According to the statement, as part of efforts to ensure effective compliance, MyIPO will be implementing advocacy programmes throughout the year to increase understanding and awareness of these guidelines among CMOs, users of copyrighted works, and art activists.

"These guidelines are an important step in empowering the copyright industry in Malaysia, in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

"With its implementation, Malaysia is expected to create a more sustainable, balanced copyright ecosystem that benefits all parties in the creative industry," he said.

--BERNAMA