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 »

Amnesty Campaign Launched to Fight Software Piracy in Kenya

Starting today for the next 30 days, the Kenya Copyright Board (KeCoBo), with the support of Microsoft East and Southern Africa have instituted an “amnesty” period whereby end-users running counterfeit software can “come clean” by discontinuing illegal use and acquiring genuine versions without penalty. The 30-day amnesty is a response to the growing threat of … 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 »

IP Crammer 2011: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Intellectual Property in Kenya

Afro Leo a.k.a the Lion that tweets has let the cat out of the bag about this year’s IP Crammer which I assume will be similar to a previous one he attended. Anyways, his roar to African IP observers and commentators in regard to the IP Crammer was loud and clear: “What are the top … Continue reading »

WIPO IP Facts and Figures 2011: Kenya Country Profile

According to the WIPO IP Facts and Figures 2011 Report, trademarks applications are highest both worldwide and also in Africa. The 2010 figures indicate that ARIPO recieved 2,782 trademark applications, 448 for patents and 209 for industrial designs. Kenya’s Industrial Property Office recieved 1430 trademark applications. In the same period, Kenya made a grand total … Continue reading »

African Intellectual Property Ranking in 2011 International Property Rights Index

The Property Rights Alliance has just released its 2011 report of International Property Rights Index (IPRI), which measures the intellectual and physical property rights of 129 nations from around the world. Out of the 26 African countries, South Africa is ranked highest and is position 21 globally. Kenya is ranked 93. The lowest ranked african … Continue reading »