INTA Comments on U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement - International Trademark Association

INTA urged strong trademark and enforcement protections in the U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement, in comments with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) filed in late April.

INTA believes that “securing robust and meaningful trademark protections for brand owners and consumers is a critical and achievable outcome of the United States – Kenya Free Trade Agreement (FTA).” Further, the Association’s comments illustrated the precedent that a strong FTA could provide for future trade agreements by noting that, “the mutual interest of the United States and Kenya in adequate and effective trademark protection and enforcement lay the groundwork for the United States to secure high-level standards that equal or exceed existing U.S. trade agreement commitments and that could serve as a model in the region and beyond.” A predictable intellectual property environment will increase U.S. trade and investment in Kenya.

INTA outlined the Association’s significant engagement in Kenya, including assisting Kenya’s National Assembly with the creation of a Trademark/IP Caucus. INTA has also hosted a workshop for judges, focused on providing continuing education on IP rights and proceedings, including topics such as bad-faith filings, counterfeits, and nontraditional trademarks.

INTA looks forward to working with both countries to facilitate awareness of the impact trademarks have on the economy. INTA’s comments are available here.

INTA’s Washington, D.C., Representative Office represents the Association’s 2,361 members in North America. Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the Washington, D.C., Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in Canada and the United States. To learn more about INTA’s activities in the region, please contact INTA Director of Government Relations Jennifer McDowell at [email protected].

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.