Industrial Design Protection & Registration
In Malaysia, ASEAN & Worldwide
What is Industrial Design?
Industrial Design rights protect the ornamental or aesthetic aspects of a product, which results from features such as shapes, colours or materials.
An industrial design comprises aspects of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article by any industrial process or means. Article in this context refers to:
- Any article of manufacture or handicraft, including any part of such article or handicraft if that part is made and sold separately;
- A set of articles;
- Each article in a set of articles;
- Both set of articles and each article in that set, as the case requires.
Industrial Designs Act 1996
& Industrial Designs Regulations 1999

The main legislation governing Industrial Designs in Malaysia are the Industrial Designs Act 1996 and Industrial Designs Regulations 1999. The first to file system applies in Malaysia, whereby the first individual to file the Industrial Design shall be the owner. Under the Industrial Designs Act 1996, Industrial Designs in Malaysia must have worldwide novelty.
Locarno Classification

Malaysia is a member of the Locarno Agreement and thus utilises the Locarno Classification. The Locarno Classification is an international classification used for the purposes of registration of industrial designs.
How Can We Help You Protect Your Industrial Design?
Our team of Intellectual Property professionals administer a wide range of tasks relating to Industrial Design protection. We can assist you with:
✔ Industrial Design Searches
✔ Industrial Design Licensing
✔ Industrial Design Portfolio Management
✔ Industrial Design Renewal
✔ Industrial Design Sale & Transfer
✔ Industrial Design Registration in Malaysia, ASEAN & Worldwide
Industrial Design Protection & Registration FAQ
Resources
- Industrial Designs Act 1996 provided by MyIPO
- Industrial Designs Regulations 1999 provided by MyIPO
- Locarno Classification provided by WIPO
- Locarno Agreement provided by WIPO