Intellectual Property
(Arrested for Possession of Pirated Good)

In Malaysia, the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) laws has become increasingly stringent, especially with the recent enactment of the Trade Marks Act 2019. This Act provides legal protections for trademark owners and outlines severe penalties for infringement. The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has intensified its efforts to combat counterfeit goods, leading to arrests and significant legal challenges for individuals and businesses alike. If you or someone you know has been detained for possession of pirated goods, understanding your rights under the Trade Marks Act 2019 is crucial.

This article delves into the legal landscape of trademark infringement, what constitutes “pirated goods,” the potential consequences of an arrest, and practical steps for defense. Our firm specializes in defending clients against intellectual property charges and protecting their rights. Read on to learn how you can navigate these charges and safeguard your business interests.

Understanding Trademark Infringement and Pirated Goods under the Trade Marks Act 2019

1. What is Trademark Infringement?

The Trade Marks Act 2019 governs trademark rights and the legal framework surrounding their protection in Malaysia. Under this Act, trademark infringement includes:

• Section 54(1): Defines trademark infringement as the unauthorized use of a registered trademark, or a mark that closely resembles it to the extent that it may deceive or confuse the public. This can include the use of similar logos, names, or other branding elements that are likely to mislead consumers into believing they are dealing with the registered trademark owner.
• Section 54(2): Specifies that producing, distributing, or selling goods bearing an infringing mark is a violation, even if the individual or business did not manufacture the counterfeit goods directly. This section is particularly relevant to cases involving the possession or sale of pirated items.

2. What are Pirated Goods?

Pirated goods are counterfeit or imitation products that unlawfully replicate the branding of genuine products. This often includes items such as clothing, electronics, and luxury goods that bear logos or brand names resembling those of registered trademarks. The Trade Marks Act 2019 explicitly prohibits the sale and possession of such items to protect consumers and trademark owners from fraud and unfair competition.

Legal Consequences of Possessing Pirated Goods in Malaysia

The Trade Marks Act 2019 imposes severe penalties on individuals and businesses found in possession of pirated goods. Some of the potential legal consequences include:

• Fines: Under the Act, fines may be levied based on the extent and severity of the infringement, including the value and quantity of counterfeit goods involved.
• Imprisonment: Individuals can face jail time, particularly for repeat offenses or in cases involving a substantial number of counterfeit items.
• Civil Remedies: Section 101 of the Act allows trademark owners to seek civil remedies, including injunctions, monetary damages, and the destruction of infringing goods. These remedies can be pursued in addition to any criminal penalties imposed.

With the KPDNKK’s rigorous enforcement of these laws, regular raids and inspections are conducted, and immediate legal action is often required to protect one’s rights and mitigate penalties.

Immediate Steps to Take if Arrested for Trademark Infringement or Possession of Pirated Goods

Facing an arrest under the Trade Marks Act 2019 can be overwhelming, but the following steps can help protect your rights and prepare a strong defense:

1. Contact an Experienced Trademark Lawyer
   A lawyer with expertise in the Trade Marks Act 2019 is crucial for defending against these charges. Reach out immediately to discuss your case and understand the legal avenues available to you.
2. Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
   Collect any documentation showing intent to purchase or sell genuine products. Evidence such as:
   • Receipts, invoices, or supply chain documents
   • Communication with suppliers or manufacturers
   • Proof of efforts to verify product authenticity
3. Cooperate with Authorities
   Cooperation with KPDNKK is essential; however, you also have the right to remain silent until your lawyer is present. Avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you later.
4. Review Supplier Agreements and Trade Practices
   If you’re a business owner, closely examine your supplier agreements to ensure compliance with the Trade Marks Act 2019. A lawyer can assist you in confirming that your suppliers operate within Malaysian IP laws.

How Our Law Firm Can Help in Trademark and Pirated Goods Defense

At Ng, Zainurul, Seke & Khoo, we have extensive experience with cases involving the Trade Marks Act 2019 and the possession of pirated goods. Our approach includes:

• Thorough Case Analysis: We conduct in-depth investigations to determine whether the goods in question genuinely infringe upon registered trademarks or if defenses can be raised.
• Legal Strategy Development: Our team crafts tailored defense strategies that may include disproving intent or proving that reasonable diligence was exercised in procurement.
• Negotiation with Authorities: We engage directly with KPDNKK and other authorities to secure favorable outcomes, including reduced penalties or dismissal of charges when possible.

Our expertise in Malaysian IP law, particularly under the Trade Marks Act 2019, allows us to navigate these complex cases effectively and protect our clients’ rights.

Preventive Measures for Business Owners

Proactive steps can help business owners reduce the risk of inadvertently dealing in counterfeit goods or facing trademark infringement charges:

1. Verify Suppliers and Their Products
   Ensure that all suppliers provide authentic goods. Request documentation that confirms compliance with Malaysian intellectual property laws.
2. Educate Your Team on the Trade Marks Act 2019
   Train employees, particularly those in procurement, to understand the importance of IP compliance and to recognize potentially counterfeit goods.
3. Regular Consultations with IP Law Experts
   Regular legal consultations can keep your business informed about Malaysian trademark laws and help prevent IP-related issues from arising.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights under the Trade Marks Act 2019

Facing a trademark infringement charge or possession of pirated goods is a serious matter. However, with the right legal support and an understanding of the Trade Marks Act 2019, you can navigate the situation effectively. At Ng, Zainurul, Seke & Khoo, we are committed to defending our clients’ rights and achieving favorable outcomes.

If you’re dealing with an IP challenge or want to protect your business from legal risks, contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you safeguard your business and reputation.

标题：因持有盗版商品被逮捕？了解马来西亚商标侵权及法律辩护指南

导言：理解马来西亚的商标侵权和盗版商品问题

在马来西亚，随着《2019年商标法》的生效，知识产权（IP）法的执法变得更加严格。该法为商标所有人提供法律保护，并对侵权行为规定了严厉的处罚措施。马来西亚国内贸易、合作社与消费部（KPDNKK）也加大了对假冒商品的打击力度，导致许多个人和企业面临法律挑战。如果您或您认识的人因持有盗版商品而被逮捕，了解《2019年商标法》赋予的权利至关重要。

本文将深入探讨商标侵权的法律框架、盗版商品的定义、逮捕的潜在后果以及实用的法律辩护步骤。我们律所专注于知识产权案件的辩护，并致力于保护客户的合法权益。继续阅读，了解如何有效应对这些指控并保护您的商业利益。

根据《2019年商标法》理解商标侵权和盗版商品

1. 什么是商标侵权？

《2019年商标法》规范了商标权利及其保护框架。根据该法，商标侵权包括：

• 第54(1)条：定义商标侵权为未经授权使用注册商标，或使用与之非常相似的标识，导致公众混淆或误导。这可能包括类似的标志、名称或其他品牌元素，使消费者误以为该产品与注册商标所有人有关。
• 第54(2)条：明确指出生产、分销或销售带有侵权标志的商品即构成违法行为，即便该个人或企业并非直接制造假冒商品。此条在涉及持有或销售盗版商品的案件中尤为重要。

2. 什么是盗版商品？

盗版商品是未经授权的假冒或仿制产品，非法复制了正品的品牌标识。这通常包括服装、电子产品和奢侈品等，未经许可却带有类似或相同的商标。为保护消费者和商标所有者免受欺诈和不正当竞争的侵害，《2019年商标法》明文禁止销售和持有此类商品。

在马来西亚持有盗版商品的法律后果

《2019年商标法》对持有盗版商品的个人和企业实施严厉的处罚。潜在的法律后果包括：

• 罚款：根据该法，罚款的数额通常依据侵权行为的严重程度、假冒商品的价值和数量而定。
• 监禁：个人可能面临监禁处罚，特别是对于重复犯罪或涉及大量假冒商品的案件。
• 民事补救：该法第101条赋予商标所有人提出民事补救的权利，包括禁令、赔偿金以及销毁侵权商品的请求。这些补救措施可以与任何刑事处罚一起提出。

随着KPDNKK的严格执法，定期开展的突击检查和稽查行动，使得及时的法律应对变得尤为重要。

因商标侵权或持有盗版商品被逮捕后的应对步骤

根据《2019年商标法》因持有盗版商品而被逮捕可能会让人措手不及，但以下步骤有助于保护您的权益并为辩护做好准备：

1. 联系经验丰富的商标律师
   具有《2019年商标法》经验的律师在应对这些指控时至关重要。立即联系律师讨论案件，并了解您的法律选择。
2. 收集有利证据
   收集任何证明您意图购买或销售正品的文件，如：
   • 收据、发票或供应链文件
   • 与供应商或制造商的通信记录
   • 证明您有核实商品真实性的证据
3. 与执法部门合作
   尽管与KPDNKK合作是必要的，但在律师在场前行使保持沉默的权利同样重要。避免做出可能被误解或用作不利证据的陈述。
4. 审查供应商协议和交易惯例
   如果您是企业主，请仔细审查供应商协议，以确保其符合《2019年商标法》。律师可协助您确认供应商遵守马来西亚的知识产权法。

我们律所如何帮助处理商标和盗版商品辩护案件

在黄、赞英、薛与邱律师事务所（Messrs Ng, Zainurul, Seke & Khoo），我们在处理涉及《2019年商标法》和盗版商品的案件方面拥有丰富经验。我们的处理方式包括：

• 深入分析案件：我们会进行全面的调查，以确定所涉商品是否真正侵犯了注册商标，或是否有可以提出的辩护理由。
• 制定法律策略：我们根据客户的情况制定专门的辩护策略，包括证明没有故意侵权或展示已尽合理审查义务。
• 与执法部门协商：我们直接与KPDNKK和其他执法部门进行沟通，力求争取减轻处罚或在可能的情况下撤销指控。

我们对马来西亚知识产权法，特别是《2019年商标法》具有深刻理解，能够有效地处理这些复杂案件，维护客户的合法权益。

企业主的预防措施

企业主可以采取积极的预防措施，减少无意间涉及假冒商品或面临商标侵权指控的风险：

1. 核实供应商及其商品
   确保所有供应商提供正品。要求出示文件，以证实符合马来西亚知识产权法。
2. 对员工进行《2019年商标法》培训
   培训员工，尤其是采购部门的员工，了解知识产权合规的重要性并识别可能的假冒商品。
3. 定期咨询知识产权法律专家
   定期法律咨询可以帮助企业了解马来西亚商标法的最新动态，并预防相关的知识产权问题。

结论：在《2019年商标法》下保护您的权利

面对商标侵权或持有盗版商品指控是一项严峻的法律挑战，但通过正确的法律支持和对《2019年商标法》的理解，您可以有效应对此类问题。在黄、赞英、薛与邱律师事务所，我们致力于保护客户的权益并争取有利的案件结果。

如果您正在处理知识产权纠纷或希望避免法律风险，请立即联系我们进行咨询。让我们帮助您保护您的业务和声誉