KOTA KINABALU: Intellectual property is a new wealth creation that can be used as a strategic instrument to generate values and make profit in business, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said yesterday.
He said the state government always intensify efforts to strengthen and empower intellectual properties with dynamic initiatives.
He said the move was important to enable Malaysia to remain competitive and make intellectual properties as a culture at every level of society.
“Eventhough the government implemented transformation in intellectual property development, we remain steadfast in upholding the philosophy and principles to ensure every group and every citizen at various levels of society is not sidelined from reaping the benefits from the programmes implemented,” he said when launching the 100th Year Intellectual Property Registration in Malaysia.
For the people in Sabah, Musa said the better understanding on the importance of intellectual property was evident from the increase in statistics for intellectual property applications filed every year by applicants from Sabah.
“For instance, last year, a total of 278 applications for trade stamps were filed from 255 applications in 2011, up nine per cent,” he said.
Musa said Sabah also have strategic geographical locations to produce unique and quality products.
“Geographical indicators are one of the intellectual property components that need to be taken advantage by the local community.
“This is because registration of local products in Sabah as geographical indicators can provide added value to certain products to upgrade the product to a higher level, hence providing lucrative income to the local community, he said.
Musa said the state government was committed to provide various programmes based on capacity development, providing supportive infrastructures and various engagement programmes with entrepreneurs.
“This is to increase entrepreneurs’ understanding on the importance to protect intellectual property rights in tandem with keen market competition locally and globally.
The chief minister also said the state government was sensitive on the imporance of preserving and restoring the national heritage and cultures besides helping local residents to reap the benefits from using and sharing traditional knowledge.
Musa said the state government, through the Sabah Biodiversity Centre, had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) to share data related to traditional knowledge and Genetics Resources.
“The state government is also prepared to forge smart partnership with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, MyIPO and other related agencies to realise the objective.
“I believe the number of intellectual property applications from this state will increase next year,” he added. — Bernama