Intellectual Property and Outdoor Advertising in Kenya

Businesses often spend much time and money to create a successful advertising campaign. It is important to protect your intellectual property (IP) assets, so that others do not unfairly copy or free-ride upon your innovative creations.” – Lien Verbauwhede, WIPO. Like in many parts of the world, the advertising sector in Kenya is the new … Continue reading »

Non-Existent Intellectual Property Financing: Blame it on the Banks or on the Innovators?

Recently, the Business Daily and the Star published articles discussing the boom of mobile apps in Kenya and how young developers are finding it hard to access financing to support their software innovations. While the Business Daily points an accusing finger at the banks for not appreciating the value of IP, the Star argues that … Continue reading »

A Challenge for Law Schools in Kenya to Take IP Seriously

IPKenya would like to begin by echoing Article 40 (6) of the Constitution of Kenya which states: “The State shall support, promote and protect of the intellectual property rights of the people of Kenya” This post is a call for a different interpretation of this article that puts us, intellectual property scholars and students, at … Continue reading »

The Creativez Meetup This Sunday – Let’s Talk Intellectual Property

IPKenya would highly recommend that all attend an important event dubbed “The Creativez Meet-up – Intellectual Property” taking place this Sunday 3rd June from 14h00 to 17h00. Here are just a few reasons why: 1. The calibre of speakers: Almost all the presenters are LL.M holders in Intellectual Property and have extensive experience in their … Continue reading »

Makerere Lecturer Sues Bank of Uganda for 1 Billion Shillings in Copyright Infringement Suit

Sylvia Katende Nabiteeko, a senior lecturer at Makerere University’s Margaret Towrel School appeared before Justice Irene Mulyagonja at the Commercial Court in Kampala yesterday in a copyright infringement suit she instituted in December last year against Uganda’s Central Bank, Bank of Uganda (BoU). Nabiteeko is claiming 1 billion shillings from the BoU whom she claims … Continue reading »

Challenges Facing Intellectual Property (IP) Audit, Valuation and Management in Kenya

IP audit, valuation and management is a key aspect of exploitation and protection of IP. However, very few enterprises conduct these crucial exercises. Prior to 2007, the Business and Law Institute reports that only about 2% of the large enterprises were conducting some sort of IP audit with 0% from the medium and small enterprises … Continue reading »

Intellectual Property (IP) Management: An Overview

Companies should take a holistic and proactive approach to IP management by identifying IP infringement in the market place and protecting against infringement or loss, by applying best practices for protection, customising the approach to the cost and operational factors unique to each business. IP management also involves evaluating the clearest path to monetising IP … Continue reading »

Are we all lazy? The debate over innovation in Africa is back

IPKenya came across this viral “article” by a certain Field Ruwe titled: “You Lazy (Intellectual) African Scum!”. In case you haven’t already read it, please do. It is annoyingly true for the most part and perhaps what is being described in the “article” about Zambia could be applied to lots of other African countries. However, … Continue reading »

2012 for Intellectual Property in Kenya

IPKenya is back for a second year, hoping to be more informative and relevant than last year and still gunning for that coveted “Kat-approved” badge. To start things off, here is a small list of IPKenya’s twelve expectations for 2012:- 1. The Geographical Indications Bill will be signed into law. 2. The Copyright Amendment Bill … Continue reading »

Establishment of a National Intellectual Property Academy in Kenya

IPKenya has learned, from a reliable source, that the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has agreed to support the Kenya Industrial Property Office (KIPI) in establishing a National Intellectual Property Academy in Kenya. The proposed academy will collaborate with other institutions of higher learning to train in matters of intellectual property at different levels. A … Continue reading »