How to Register a Trademark in Malaysia (MyIPO Guide)
A trademark is a sign — a business name, logo, slogan or symbol — that distinguishes your goods or services from everyone else's. Registering it with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) under the Trademarks Act 2019 gives you the exclusive right to use that mark for your goods or services across Malaysia, and the legal standing to stop others from copying it. For a growing business, your brand is often one of your most valuable assets — this is how you protect it.
Why register a trademark
Before you apply: search and classify
Two things to do first:
The registration steps
Registration typically takes around 12 to 18 months end to end, though an expedited examination option is available for an additional fee where you need it faster.
What it costs and how long it lasts
You pay a fee per class, and the amount can differ depending on whether you use MyIPO's pre-approved list of goods/services or a custom specification — so confirm the current fees on the MyIPO portal. A registered trademark in Malaysia lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in further 10-year terms, so it can protect your brand for as long as you use it.
Practical tips
Protecting your brand pairs naturally with other growth moves like getting halal-certified or starting to export. And if brand or product development is on your roadmap, browse SME grants that may help fund it.
Looking for funding?
Browse verified Malaysian SME grants and check what you may qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I register a trademark?
Registration gives you the exclusive right to use your mark for your registered goods or services across Malaysia and the strongest legal basis to stop copycats. A registered trademark is also an asset you can license, franchise or sell, it builds credibility through the ® symbol, and it lays the groundwork for protecting your brand as you scale or export.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Malaysia?
You pay a fee per class of goods or services, and the amount can differ depending on whether you use MyIPO's pre-approved list of goods/services or a custom specification. Because fees are revised from time to time, confirm the current per-class fee on the official MyIPO portal before filing.
How long does trademark registration take?
Typically around 12 to 18 months from filing to registration, covering examination, publication and the opposition window. MyIPO also offers an expedited examination option for an additional fee where a faster result is needed.
How long does a registered trademark last in Malaysia?
A registered trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in further 10-year terms. As long as you keep renewing and using the mark, it can protect your brand permanently.
Can I register a trademark myself?
A local applicant can file a trademark application directly through MyIPO's Electronic Filing System without an agent. A foreign applicant, however, must file through a registered trademark agent. Even local applicants often use an agent for complex marks or multiple classes.
What is a trademark class?
Goods and services are grouped into classes under the international Nice classification, and you register your mark per class. You should register in the classes that actually cover what you sell, because protection only extends to your registered classes — picking the wrong one can leave your real products unprotected.
Sources:MyIPO (Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia)MyIPO — Trademark Forms and FeesTrademarks Act 2019
General information only — schemes, rules and requirements change. Always follow the official source(s) and confirm the latest details before acting.
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