In our previous article, we talked about how to create a killer logo made in Malaysia, one that actually reflects your brand, connects with your audience, and looks good on everything from name cards to billboards.
What’s stopping someone else from taking your logo and using it as their own?
Yup, it happens more often than you think, especially in Malaysia’s increasingly competitive online market.
You launch your business, invest in branding, and two months later, some shady business starts using a lookalike logo selling similar stuff.
Painful? Yes.
Preventable? Also yes.
In this article, we’re diving into the second (and equally important) part of your logo journey:
How to protect your logo legally, digitally, and proactively, so no one else can claim what’s rightfully yours.
Let’s get into it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Logo in Malaysia
Step 1: Understand Copyright vs Trademark
Step 2: Start with a Trademark Search
Step 3: Choose the Right Classes
Step 4: File Your Trademark with MyIPO
Step 5: Wait, Monitor & Respond
Step 1: Understand Copyright vs Trademark
First things first, no, they’re not the same.
📄 Copyright
This happens automatically when your designer creates your logo.
It protects the artistic expression, meaning, if someone straight-up copies your logo design pixel by pixel, you can claim it’s yours.
BUT, copyright doesn’t protect your business from:
- Someone using a similar looking logo
- Another brand using the same name but different design
- Competitors confusing your customers with similar branding
That’s where trademark comes in.
™ Trademark
This is what you actually need to protect your brand’s identity and commercial use.
Trademark gives you:
– Exclusive rights to use your logo as your business identity
– Legal power to stop others from using anything similar
– Strong protection for your brand as you grow
To make it simple:
Copyright protects the artwork.
Trademark protects your business identity.
Step 2: Start with a Trademark Search
Getting your logo made in Malaysia legally protected requires following MyIPO’s official process.
Before you apply, you need to check whether your logo is even available.
Go to:
🔎 MyIPO Trademark Search or World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Search for:
- Your logo name (wordmark)
- Similar-looking logos in your industry
- Variations of your logo or business name
You’re looking for anything too close for comfort.
If you see something that feels similar, it’s worth rethinking your direction, or at least preparing to respond to objections.
Tip: Document this search. Take screenshots. Save it in your trademark folder. You might need it later.
Step 3: Choose the Right Classes
In Malaysia, trademarks are filed under Nice Classification, basically, categories for goods and services.
For example:
- Class 25: Clothing
- Class 35: Retail, online business
- Class 43: Restaurants and cafes
- Class 44: Beauty and wellness
Choose based on:
- What your business does now
- What you plan to do in the future
If you’re selling handmade candles now, but plan to expand into skincare, don’t forget to register both relevant classes.
Why this matters:
Your logo made in Malaysia is only protected within the classes you apply for.
If you only register in Class 25, someone could still use your logo in Class 43 (F&B), and you can’t stop them.
Step 4: File Your Trademark with MyIPO
This is where you make it official.
You’ll need to prepare:
- High-res image of your logo (JPG or PNG)
- Description of your business activities
- List of classes you’re registering under
- Trademark application form
You can file:
– Online via MyIPO eTrademark System
– Or walk in at a MyIPO office if you prefer face-to-face
Filing fee: Around RM950+ per class
(And yes, each class costs separately. So if you choose 3 classes, it’s 3x the fee.)
Step 5: Wait, Monitor & Respond
After submission, here’s what happens:
- Formal Examination: MyIPO checks your documents
- Substantive Examination: They check for conflicts or objections
- Publication: If it passes, it’s published in the Malaysian IP Official Journal for 2 months
- Approval: If no one objects, your logo is officially registered
This process takes 12–18 months on average.
So file early, even before you launch, so your priority date is protected.
Step 6: Keep Your Proofs
Don’t lose your receipts, files, or confirmations.
Keep a tidy folder (Google Drive works great) that includes:
- Design drafts
- Email conversations with your designer
- Trademark search results
- Application forms & payment receipts
- Official certificate when approved
If anyone tries to question who created the logo or when, you’ll have receipts. Literally.
One Last Thing Before You Go…
You spent time and money creating a logo that reflects your brand’s identity.
Don’t leave it unprotected.
Because the worst-case scenario isn’t just someone stealing your design…
It’s them trademarking it before you, and you losing the rights to your own logo.
Not worth the risk, right?
So if you haven’t taken action yet, this is your sign.
Protect what’s yours, before someone else does.
Ready to Take Your Brand Further?
Creating and protecting your logo is just the beginning. Your brand’s success also depends on having a strong online presence. Consider exploring:
- How to choose the right web development company in Malaysia
- Understanding website design costs in Malaysia
- How digital marketing can grow your business
Remember, your logo is the foundation, but your digital strategy builds the empire. Start with a protected logo, then build a professional website that’s essential for every business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trademark registration take in Malaysia?
Buckle up, the full process usually takes 12 to 18 months. That’s from the day you file until final approval, if everything goes smoothly and there are no objections. Not instant, but totally worth the peace of mind.
Should I register my logo in color or black and white?
Go for black and white if you want broader protection.
Why? Because it covers all color versions of your logo, so you don’t have to register it again every time you update your brand palette. Smart move.
What happens if I find someone using my protected logo?
You can send cease and desist notices, file trademark infringement claims, and potentially recover damages through legal action.
Do I need to use my logo continuously after registration?
Trademark protection isn’t “set it and forget it”.
If you stop using your logo for too long, you might lose your rights. So keep it active in your branding, website, packaging, everywhere your customers can see it.
Can I modify my logo after trademark registration?
Small tweaks? Usually okay.
But if you give your logo a full makeover, you’ll probably need to file a new trademark. Better safe than sorry, especially if the new version looks totally different.
How do I prove I created my logo first?
Keep everything. Seriously.
Sketches, PSD files, Illustrator files, timestamps, email convos with your designer, all of it.
This digital paper trail can be your best friend if someone ever challenges your ownership.
Sanz Teoh
Latest posts by Sanz Teoh (see all)
- How to Protect Your Logo in Malaysia - July 31, 2025
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