Discover the risks and dangers of failing to register a trademark to understand the value and importance of trademark registration for your brand.
The Risks of Not Registering a Trademark
Kenya Trademark Registration
Protect Your Brand in Kenya Through a Simple Process Backed by Certified Local Attorneys
Simple steps to register your trademark
STEP 1
Comprehensive Trademark Study
Before filing your trademark in Kenya, you must evaluate any issues that may arise during the registration process. Our Comprehensive Trademark Study not only lists similar trademarks (graphic and phonetic) that may conflict with yours but also provides you with an Attorney's opinion on the trademark registration possibilities and the class(es) that your goods/services belong to.
- Graphic and phonetic similarity trademark search report
- Trademark attorney's analysis and advice
- Trademark class recommendation
STEP 2
Trademark Application Filing
Specialized attorneys will file your trademark application in Kenya and carry out all the necessary formalities to bring your application for approval and registration. As soon as your trademark is filed, we will send you a filing report that will include the application number and application date. Also, we will send you a scanned copy of the filed application.
- Process Handled by Experienced Trademark Attorneys
- Filing the Report & a Scanned Copy of the application
- Tracking the Registration Process Online
Additional Services in Kenya
Discover how our services help protect and strengthen your brand in Kenya.
Trademark Search
Check if your trademark is available for registration with our easy-to-use search tool.
Search TrademarkTrademark Renewal
Renew your trademark to maintain uninterrupted protection for your brand.
Renew TrademarkDomain Registration
Safeguard your local domain with ease through our trusted partner, Register.Domains.
Search .KE DomainsFrom our Blog
National vs. International Trademark Registration
Discover how national and international trademark registration compare, the pros and cons of each, and which is right for you.
Commonly Asked Questions About Trademark Registration
Learn answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on trademark registrations to improve your trademark knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I previously filed my trademark in another country, can I claim priority in Kenya?
Yes. If you filed your trademark in another country within the last 6 months, you can claim priority in Kenya based on that earlier filing.
Can my trademark be filed immediately and the Power of Attorney (POA) submitted later?
Yes. We can file your trademark in Kenya immediately after you provide the necessary details. You can submit the Power of Attorney later. This option will be displayed once you order your trademark.
How long does it take for a trademark to be registered in Kenya?
Typically, if there are no oppositions or objections, trademark registration in Kenya takes about 14 months.
Do I need to provide a Power of Attorney?
Yes. A simple Power of Attorney is required. "Simple" means no notarization or legalization is needed.
If I register my trademark in Kenya, will it be protected in other countries?
Registering your trademark in Kenya only provides protection within Kenya's borders.
What actions are necessary to meet the usage requirement for a trademark in Kenya?
To satisfy the use requirement, a trademark must be actively used in commerce within five years of its registration date, and this use must take place in Kenya.
Does registering a trademark in Kenya provide me with any legal rights?
You don't need to register a trademark to have rights to it. Simply using the trademark first can establish your ownership. In Kenya, the "first to use" rule applies.
What are the reasons for which a registration can be canceled in Kenya?
Registration can be canceled for the following reasons:
- Bad faith
- Incorrect representation of the mark
- Lack of distinctiveness
- Generic nature of the mark
- Descriptive nature of the mark
- Misleading, disparaging, or deceptive nature
- Contains a geographical indication
- Prohibited in this jurisdiction
- Contrary to public policy or morality
What are the steps involved in the trademark application process in Kenya after filing?
The application process follows these steps:
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Who is eligible to challenge my trademark application in Kenya?
The application can be contested by:
- any party with a vested interest
- the holder of a prior right
What rights do you gain by registering a trademark in Kenya?
Registering a trademark grants the following rights:
- exclusive use of the trademark
- ability to license the trademark to others
- right to oppose later conflicting trademark applications
- right to request cancellation of later conflicting registrations
- right to request customs to seize counterfeit goods
- right to claim damages or compensation for trademark …
How long is a trademark valid once it has been registered in Kenya?
The trademark registration is valid for 10 years starting from the date you apply.
Do I need to use my trademark in Kenya before applying for registration?
Yes, you need to either intend to use or actually use the trademark when applying.
- Actual use is not mandatory for the application.
- Intent to use is necessary for the application.
What is the duration of the opposition period in Kenya?
The opposition period starts on the day the Industrial Property Journal is published.
The opposition period concludes 60 days following the publication date of the Industrial Property Journal.
Still have questions?