The Case for an Inter-Agency Approach to Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement

Today marks the opening of an important event by the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA): “Workshop on the Implementation of an Interagency Approach to Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement: Kenya and the East African Community” Unlike tangible property, IP is not well understood and thus is highly under-utilised in Kenya. That said, it is no secret that … Continue reading »

Blast from the Past: Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol

The Olympics are finally here! IPKenya reckons now is as good a time as any to remind everyone that Nairobi once hosted an important international conference on 26 September 1981 which culminated in the adoption of the Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol. The Nairobi Treaty entered into force in September 25, … 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 »

Kenya’s Top IP Lawyers to Attend International Trademark Association INTA Annual Meeting

You’ve probably heard that next week, 9,000 professionals from around the world are expected to attend the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC from May 5 to 9 2012. Some of the topics on the agenda include international trademark issues, including developments in international trademark laws, tactics for fighting global counterfeiting and … Continue reading »

Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Act: Intellectual Property and Constitutionalism Collide

In 2009, three HIV/AIDS patients petitioned the Constitutional Court to declare the Anti-Counterfeit Act illegal because it could deny them access to generic medicines. The move sought to have the 2008 Anti-Counterfeiting Act made unconstitutional on the grounds that it could rob them of their right to life. The Constitutional Court is due to deliver … Continue reading »

The Fight Against Piracy: Open Source Software versus Microsoft

This past week both leading newspapers and the Business Daily have run stories highlighting a peculiar trend among certain Kenyan businesses who are opting for open source software primarily to escape the long arm of the law. As IPKenya announced late last year, software giant Microsoft through its East and Central Africa Regional Office here … Continue reading »

Anti-counterfeit agency steps in ‘Zero B’ trade mark row

Two different news reports on the ‘Zero B’ trade mark were reported on the 30th and 31st of December 2011. In the Star piece “Nakumatt caught in trademark row” it is reported that Nakumatt Holdings, the largest retail store chain in East and Central Africa, has been caught in trademark row between a local company … 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 »

Revenue Service and Copyright Office: Strange bedfellows?

Over the past couple of years, one of the most problematic provisions in the Copyright Act has been, without doubt, section 36, which reads, in part: “36. (1) A manufacturer or producer of sound and audio-visual works or recordings shall apply to the Board. for the authentication of copyright works. (2) The Board shall authenticate … Continue reading »