Malaysia is currently in negotiations with the US for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which is expected to ease the way for attracting more foreign direct investment to Malaysia. Amongst the issues being negotiated is the strengthening of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Malaysia.

Even though Malaysia already has high standards of IPR in the form of patents, trademarks and copyright, there is still a need to enhance the intellectual property (IP) environment in order to recognise and reward research.