Copyright Basics
Everything Malaysian creatives need to know about protecting their work under the Copyright Act 1987.
Interactive guide · 7 sections · ~15 min read
The Foundation
What Is Copyright?
Copyright is an automatic legal right that protects original creative works the moment they are expressed in a tangible form. In Malaysia, this is governed by the Copyright Act 1987 (Act 332), administered by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
You do not need to register, file any paperwork, or use the © symbol for your work to be protected. The moment you write a lyric, record a beat, sketch a design, or choreograph a dance, copyright exists.
However, copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, styles, or methods. It protects the specific expression of an idea. For instance, copyright protects the specific melody you wrote, not the concept of writing a sad song.
Key Malaysian Law Reference
Section 7(1), Copyright Act 1987: Copyright shall subsist in every work eligible for copyright of which the author is a qualified person at the time the work is made.
Copyright Timeline Visualiser
See exactly how long your copyright protection lasts under Malaysian law. Enter a year to visualise the timeline.
For works tied to the author's life, we assume the author lives to age 70.
Literary Works
Songs, lyrics, poems, scripts, articles, books
Musical Works
Compositions, melodies, arrangements
Sound Recordings
Studio tracks, field recordings, DJ mixes, podcasts
Films & Videos
Short films, music videos, documentaries
Broadcasts
Radio, TV, livestreams, podcasts over airwaves
Section 17, Copyright Act 1987: The duration provisions vary by work type. For literary, musical, and artistic works, protection lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after their death. For sound recordings, films, and broadcasts, protection is 50 years from first publication or broadcast.
"Is It Protected?"
Test your knowledge. For each scenario, decide whether the work is protected by Malaysian copyright law.
Score
0
Question
1/8
Rights Explorer
Copyright gives you a bundle of exclusive rights. Click each segment to learn what each right means for you.
Click a segment to explore
Select a Right
Click any segment on the wheel to see a detailed explanation of that copyright right under Malaysian law.
Example for Artists
Legal Reference
Fair Dealing Simulator
Malaysian law allows limited use of copyrighted works for specific purposes. Adjust the factors below and see how likely a use qualifies as "fair dealing" under Section 13(2A).
Fair Dealing Likelihood
Note: This simulator is for educational purposes only. Fair dealing analysis in actual cases depends on specific facts and judicial interpretation. The Malaysian Copyright Act provides for fair dealing under Sections 13(2A) for research, private study, criticism, review, and reporting of current events. Always consult a lawyer for specific situations.
Someone Stole Your Work?
Follow this step-by-step decision tree. Click each step for practical, Malaysian-specific advice.
Copyright Myths — Busted
Click each card to reveal the truth. How many of these did you believe?
Click to flip · 0/6 revealed
Need Help?
Protect Your Rights
If someone is infringing your copyright or you need guidance on licensing your work, ALIM's network of volunteer lawyers can help. All consultations are free and confidential.