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Intellectual Property

Register, protect, and enforce the rights that make your business distinctive.

On This Page:

1 Overview
2 Capabilities
3 Resources
4 Meet Our Experts
5 Why Choose Us
6 Next Steps

1

Overview

Intellectual property is often a business’s most valuable asset and one of its least protected. At S&P Advocates, we help clients identify, register, and vigorously defend their intellectual property rights across Kenya and the region, acting swiftly and decisively against those who seek to copy, counterfeit, or otherwise exploit what our clients have built.

Beyond registration and enforcement, we advise on the commercial dimension of intellectual property, including licensing structures, IP assignments and transfers, IP warranties in corporate transactions, and the protection of trade secrets and confidential information. We help clients build IP into their commercial strategy, not treat it as an afterthought.

Trademark registration in Kenya is handled by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). The process involves a clearance search, filing an application in the relevant class or classes, examination, publication, and registration. We manage the full process and advise on the right classes for your brand.

The process typically takes between 12 and 24 months from filing to registration, depending on KIPI's current workload and whether any opposition is filed. We file promptly and monitor progress throughout.

Act quickly. The longer infringement continues, the harder it can be to establish your rights. Contact us immediately and we will assess your position, send a formal cease and desist, and apply for urgent court orders if necessary to stop the infringement.

Copyright arises automatically on the creation of an original work and does not require formal registration in Kenya. However, documentation of ownership is important for enforcement purposes. We advise on how to evidence and protect your copyright effectively.

2

Capabilities

Trademark Registration

Searching, filing, and prosecuting trademark applications across all 45 classes at KIPI.

Patent & Utility Model Filing

Filing and prosecution of patent and utility model applications before KIPI.

IP Enforcement & Anti-Counterfeiting

Cease and desist, ex parte injunctions, and coordination with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

Copyright Advisory

Documentation, licensing, and enforcement of copyright in creative and commercial works.

IP Licensing & Assignments

Drafting and negotiating IP licences, assignments, and technology transfer agreements.

IP Due Diligence

Review of IP assets and risks in corporate transactions, acquisitions, and investments.

4

Meet Our Experts

Imanda Chele

Associate

Handles IP strategy, enforcement, regulatory compliance, and commercial documentation across the firm’s IP practice.

Laureen Wafula

Associate

Handles IP registration, research, and commercial documentation across the firm’s intellectual property practice.

5

Why Choose Us

Full Registration Service

We handle the complete KIPI registration process, from search through to certificate.

Swift Enforcement

We act fast when your IP is infringed, including urgent court applications where needed.

Commercial IP Advice

We integrate IP into your broader commercial and corporate strategy from the start.

Anti-Counterfeiting

We coordinate with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority on seizure and enforcement operations.

Cross-Sector Experience

We protect IP for clients in FMCG, tech, media, agribusiness, fashion, and manufacturing.

Licensing Expertise

We draft and negotiate IP licences that protect your rights and maximise their commercial value.

6

Next Steps

If your intellectual property needs protecting, or if you believe it is being infringed, speak to our team today. Early advice is always more effective than late action.

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