INTA Meets with Kenya’s Trademark and IP Caucus

An INTA delegation—comprised of INTA’s Africa Consultant Hazel Okoth, Chief Representative Officer Europe and Intergovernmental Organizations Tat-Tienne Louembe, and former INTA Board Member Lorna Mbatia (CFL Advocates, Kenya)—engaged in an insightful discussion with members of the INTA Parliamentary Caucus on Trademarks and Intellectual Property on March 13. This meeting was an important step in the Association’s engagement with policymakers on the need to continue strengthening Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework for intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement.

The discussion delved into several issues, including, the importance of increasing IP awareness in the jurisdiction, challenges affecting the uptake of IP in Kenya, and the untapped potential of IP as a driver of economic growth. The delegation also discussed Intellectual Property Bill, 2020 (the Bill) at length, owing to the recent recommendation by the Kenyan Cabinet to merge the Kenya Industrial Property Institute, the Kenya Copyright Board, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. The proposed unification of these entities is expected to bolster the protection of IP in Kenya by streamlining registration processes, improving the allocation of financial and human resources, and providing a more cohesive approach to the administration and management of IP. The success of this initiative will require a robust legislative framework, which the Bill has attempted to provide. Several legal steps remain before this Bill can pass. INTA submitted comments on the Bill, and the Kenyan IP community remains cautiously optimistic that with the relevant amendments, a unified IP regime can be achieved.

The delegation also discussed EU-Kenya free trade talks, with a specific focus on geographical indications. In addition, the participants exchanged views on indigenous rights matters and the valorization of local goods for the benefit of local producers.

The Caucus expressed interest in working closely with INTA in its advocacy initiatives to strengthen the protection and enforcement of IP, enhance public awareness of IP, and foster collaboration among the private sector, government, local communities, and IP professionals in order to align Kenya’s IP policies with global best practices. Plans are already underway to schedule the Association’s next engagement with the Caucus this month. Finally, the Caucus was briefed on INTA’s upcoming Annual Meeting for which the members of Parliament expressed strong interest. Members of the National Assembly have previously attended INTA Annual Meetings to engage with international brand owners.

The Parliamentary Caucus on Trademark and Intellectual Property in Kenya is INTA’s second Parliamentary Caucus globally. The Parliamentary Caucus on Trademark and Intellectual Property was formed with the purpose of engaging in activities aimed at strengthening IP laws, promoting awareness of the importance of IP protection, and supporting the enforcement of IP. These Caucuses provide a great forum to specifically address legislative bottlenecks that hinder the development and advancement of IP in a given jurisdiction. INTA remains committed to supporting governments, businesses, and IP professionals in advancing policies that foster innovation and economic growth.

INTA Consultant Hazel Okoth supports the Association’s members across Africa in collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representative Offices around the world. Ms. Okoth works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in Africa. Please contact Ms. Okoth to learn more about INTA’s activities in Africa.

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

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