Protecting Your Brand: Registering a Trade Mark in Kenya

A strong brand is one of a business's most valuable assets, yet many Kenyan businesses trade for years without registering their trade marks. Registration with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) gives the owner exclusive rights to use the mark for the registered goods or services, and makes it far easier to act against copycats and counterfeiters.

Search before you file. A clearance search helps identify existing marks that may conflict with yours, saving time and cost before you invest further in a name or logo.

Choose the right classes. Trade marks are registered for specific classes of goods and services. Filing in the classes that match your current and planned activities ensures your protection covers what matters.

Examination and publication. KIPI examines each application and, if it is accepted, publishes it so that third parties have an opportunity to oppose before registration is granted.

Think regionally. If you trade beyond Kenya, regional and international filing routes can extend protection to other markets in a cost-effective way.

Monitor and enforce. Registration is only the first step. Monitoring the market and acting promptly against infringement and passing off keep your brand distinctive.

Our intellectual property team helps businesses protect, commercialise and enforce their brands, copyright and other intellectual property. Contact us to discuss your brand.