22 Feb - A group of delegates from 22 countries gathered in Malaysia for a Follow up of Advanced Course on Copyright and Related Rights in the Global Economy program which was officiated by Dato’ Tan Lian Hoe, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) today at the Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

In her opening address, Dato’ Tan stressed that the creative industries which was facilitated by copyright regime as a powerful economic growth in Malaysia.

”A study which was carried out by the WIPO in 2007 showed that for the period 2000-2005, creative industries recorded annual growth rate of 11.1% surpassing the national growth rate of 6.6%. Employment in the creative industries registered a growth of 10.7% (more than three times of the national employment growth of 3.3%),” she added.

Creative industries have also contributed 5.8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was accounted for 1.0% of national exports and 7.5% of employment during the same period.

On the amendment of Copyright Act 1987, the Ministry is addressing various issues including balancing the right of authors, performers and public policy, role of collecting societies, liability of internet service providers, power of copyright tribunal, internet and technological development or enforcement related issues and the wide ranging exceptions and limitations for private and educational purposes.

This 5-day program was made possible through collaboration between the Government of Malaysia, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Government of Sweden and with the assistance of Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

The participants of this program consist of 27 officers from 22 countries and 6 officers from Ministry of Justice (Sweden) and Swedish Patent and Registration Office.

Through this program, participants would gain knowledge on new developments in the field of copyright and related rights at international levels, an outlook on how to manage and enforce copyright and related rights in digital environment and to learn hands on practical experience on Copyright Licensing.

The course is a follow up of the first phase, held at Stockholm, Sweden from 18 – 29 August 2009. It also provides opportunity to participants to learn about Malaysia's experience and practice in protecting and managing copyright and related rights.

The first day was an open session and drew attendance of 150 local participants/stakeholders representing law practitioners, academicians, universities, copyright industries and stakeholders, research and development agencies and government agencies and media.