Service of Court Process by Whatsapp, IG, or FB anyone?

Service of court documents via social media apps and electronic means have been sanctioned officially by amendments to the Rules of Court 2012 (ROC 2012) which came into force on 15 December 2020. 

This is great news.  

It has helped us greatly in serving documents on elusive and challenging personalities, especially when dealing with contested matters. 

For our practice, it does help when faced with serving notices and cause papers related to single petitions for divorce, contentious probate, and for debt recovery. 

We also find social media mechanisms useful for the efficient service of relevant correspondence, notices, and matters related to contentious litigation that could not otherwise be served with ease, on the opposing party. 

Of course the above is not legal advice but our commentary of the day after handling a particularly vexing case. 

Please do check with your counsel if service of documents via the above means is a mode that is applicable to your case. 

Anne & Melani @ Messrs Varghese & Co

Copyright Law in Malaysia

For all matters related to Copyright it is always best to go back to the legislation and case precedents. The legislation governing copyright matters was enacted by Parliament to make better provisions in the law relating to copyright and for other matters connected therewith. Copyright is the exclusive right to control creative works created by the author, copyright owner and performer for a specific period as governed under the Copyright Act 1987, Act 332.  

Works eligible for copyright in Malaysia are:

1. literary works;
2. musical works;
3. artistic works;
4. films;
5. sound recordings;
6. broadcasts; and
7. derivative works

There is a governing organisation in Malaysia that dictates on all matters related to Copyright Law, and for best steps forward it is always best to start with them, the Intellection Property Corporation of Malaysia. 

For any protection-related matters and worries about infringement, feel free to contact them or an IP lawyer of your choice. Apart from us, there are legal firms that can assist and you can obtain their details from Bar Council's legal firm directory. 

Best regards from Anne and Melani at Messrs Varghese and Co.