MIRI: Staff and students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently learned about the importance of respecting intellectual property and copyrights of individuals during a one-day ‘Intellectual Property and Copyright’ seminar held at its campus.
The seminar, organised by the university’s Library and Learning Commons Department, was conducted by the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) copyright division director Rashidah Ridha Sheikh Khalid.
In addition to her position at MyIPO, Rashidah is also a lawyer specialising in intellectual property and copyright with 20 years of experience in the field.
She is currently on a nationwide tour, speaking at seminars about the importance of intellectual property and copyrights as well as the relevant laws governing them in Malaysia.
During the seminar, the staff and students learned how to use copyrighted materials in the correct manner and how to avoid infringing upon somebody else’s copyright.
They were also briefed on patent application and the protection accorded to a person’s work through the patent.
One of the participants described the seminar as an eye-opener, shedding light on many misconceptions about related laws and how they are enforced in Malaysia.
Rashidah commended the varsity for having sound policies regarding the protection of intellectual property and copyrights.
She added that copyrights could be a potential source of income for the varsity through the licensing of its intellectual properties.
“Curtin Malaysia can spearhead the promotion of the importance of intellectual property and copyrights. It is just a matter of educating staff and students to uphold these rights,” remarked Rashidah.
