Intellectual Property
Trade mark registration and portfolio management before the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), patent prosecution, copyright registration with KECOBO, industrial designs, geographical indications, IP licensing and franchising, brand-protection enforcement, anti-counterfeiting actions and IP-related litigation.
What we advise on. We advise on the creation, protection, commercialisation and enforcement of intellectual property: trade mark clearance, registration and portfolio management; patent and utility-model prosecution; copyright and related rights; industrial designs; geographical indications; trade secrets and confidential information; IP licensing, assignment and franchising; and IP due diligence on transactions. On the contentious side we handle infringement, passing-off and anti-counterfeiting actions.
Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Trade Marks Act, the Industrial Property Act 2001, the Copyright Act 2001 and the Anti-Counterfeit Act, with filings before the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) for regional protection. We also engage the Anti-Counterfeit Authority on enforcement.
Who we act for. We act for brand owners, technology and creative businesses, manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, franchisors and franchisees, and individual creators. Whether you are registering a first trade mark or managing a pan-African portfolio, we protect the assets that carry your value.
Why OLM for intellectual property. IP is only as strong as its registration and its enforcement. We file cleanly, we manage renewals so rights don’t lapse, and we combine registration work with the litigation capability to enforce against infringers and counterfeiters in the Kenyan courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a trade mark in Kenya? Through an application to the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), preceded by a clearance search. Registration typically takes 8 to 14 months absent opposition and lasts ten years, renewable. We handle the search, filing and prosecution.
Does a Kenyan trade mark protect me across Africa? No — a KIPI registration covers Kenya only. For multi-country protection we file through ARIPO or via national filings in each target country, and we manage the portfolio centrally.
What can I do about counterfeit goods in Kenya? Remedies include civil infringement and passing-off suits, anti-counterfeit seizures through the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, and criminal complaints. We combine registration evidence with enforcement action to take infringing goods off the market.
What types of intellectual property can be protected in Kenya? Trade marks, patents, utility models, copyright, industrial designs, geographical indications and trade secrets all have legal protection. We advise on which rights apply to your product or business and the best registration strategy.