To Photocopy or Not to Photocopy: The Role of the Reproduction Rights Society in Kenya

One of the local newspapers recently published an article titled: “Can’t someone stop this photocopying madness?”, which raises the alarm over high levels of illegal photocopying especially in tertiary institutions of learning, namely our universities. The writer explains: We were taught in classes that photocopying a book without the requisite permission of the copyright holder … 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 »

Words for the Unwary: Intellectual Property and Political Parties in Kenya

Political parties in Kenya would be advised to take some lessons from recent happenings in Ghana and South Africa, relating to intellectual property (IP). With elections around the corner, there are a number of important issues that must be addressed by political parties to ensure that they do not fall foul of existing IP laws … Continue reading »

Conference: Enhancing the Culture of Reading and Books in the Digital Age – Copyright as a Means to Foster Creativity and Access in Africa

What has happened to reading in the age of the Internet? Will the digital age put an end to the culture of reading and books that has been nurtured over centuries? In association with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), Kopiken, the Kenyan Publishers Association (KPA) and the Kenyan Writers … 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 »

Collection of Music Royalties in Kenya Back On Track

Today, the Standard reports that the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) and Performers’ Rights Society of Kenya (PRSK) have picked Trueblaq Entertainment Limited as their royalties collection commission agent after a month-long competitive bidding process. This is what the two female GMs had to say: “We are hopeful that this partnership will realise the … 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 »

Women Leaders of Copyright in Kenya

As a newcomer on the intellectual property scene in Kenya, I’ve noticed one distinctive feature about the administration of copyright and related rights: it’s entirely dominated by women! These women are not only legal professionals but they are also multi-talented and fully committed to what they do. Allow me to (re)introduce them to you and … Continue reading »

Licensing of Copyright Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) in Kenya

The Kenya Copyright Board (KeCoBo) has the responsibility of licensing and supervising collective management organisations (CMOs) in Kenya under section 46 of the Copyright Act of 2001. This is to ensure that CMOs carry out their core function; collection and distribution of royalties. Public Notice: Where no collective management organisation exists in respect to a … Continue reading »