Mao Shan Wang durians a Malaysian ‘brand’ till 2034, says minister
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The Mao Shan Wang durian was first registered as an intellectual property under geographical indication on March 13, 2014.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Follow topic:
The local intellectual property (IP) protection certificate for the Musang King – popularly known in Singapore as Mao Shan Wang – durian has been renewed for 10 more years by Malaysia’s Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO), extending it to March 12, 2034.
The move signifies that the Mao Shan Wang durian is a brand belonging to Malaysia and cannot be used by other countries, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, as quoted by Bernama.
He told a media scrum at the launch of a Durian Technology Package book in Serdang, Selangor, on Sept 19 that the durian variety was registered as a “special brand” through MyIPO.
The Mao Shan Wang durian was first registered as intellectual property under a geographical indication (GI) on March 13, 2014.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
It allows those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards, it added.
It is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuff, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products. These include Darjeeling tea, champagne and Swiss watches.
The registration aims to recognise the reputation and quality of the durian, which is now popular overseas, said Bernama.
The publication quoted Mr Mohamad as saying that durians today are more than just fruits cultivated for the enjoyment of one’s family – they can now potentially be a lucrative source of income as Malaysia becomes an exporter of the fruits to China.
He added that Malaysia recently sent about 40 tonnes of various durian types to China.
Due to this, he urged durian plant operators to redouble efforts to plant and sustain the quality of fruits produced on their farms.
Malaysia started exporting fresh durians to China on Aug 24,
Considered a premium variety, Mao Shan Wang durians are prized for their bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.
Lawyer Mark Teng, who specialises in IP protection and commercialisation, said the renewal not only protects the integrity of the Musang King name, but also safeguards Malaysian farmers by preventing non-Malaysian durian variants from being marketed as Musang King.
“In doing so, the government bolsters local businesses and preserves the rich heritage associated with this popular fruit,” he added.
