Protecting Malaysia's Cultural Heritage with Batik Designs (2024)
Case Study Summary: Concerns over the illegal duplication and sale of Malaysian batik designs, especially by foreign producers, increased in 2024. Without permission, these traditional motifs—which are ingrained in artistic legacy and cultural identity—were being replicated, endangering the livelihood of regional craftspeople and weakening the legitimacy of Malaysian batik. Stakeholders responded by emphasizing the value of batik protection under Malaysia's Copyright Act 1987, which acknowledges batik designs as artistic creations. This protection gives authors the sole right to use, reproduce, and distribute their creations for as long as they live, plus an additional 50 years. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of copyright laws in protecting intangible cultural heritage and making sure that traditional artistic expressions are not used for profit without giving due credit to the intended audience. In order for both producers and consumers to understand and respect...
.png)
