When Should you Register an Industrial Design?

Ideally, industrial designs should be registered before they are published or publicized to the world. This determines the priority of ownership of the design where there are competing creators.

Where Can I Register my Industrial Designs in Kenya in Order to Protect my Intellectual Property?

Registration involves filing an application at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute, (KIPI). The application consists of:

1. A completed application form.
2. Specimens of the design
3. Drawings, photographs of the article and an indication of the kind of products for which the industrial design is to be used
4. Description of the novel features of the design
5. Application fee as Stipulated in the Schedule of Fees in The Industrial Property Act

What Does the Registration Process Entail? Advertisement and Issuance of Certificate of Registration of the Industrial Design?

After filing for registration, the industrial design shall be published in the Kenyan Gazette to allow for any objections. The publication runs for 60 days. If there is no objection by any other person claiming ownership of the industrial design, the design shall be registered and a registration certificate issued.

What is the Duration of Registration and Renewal?

Total timeline to complete the registration process is 3-8 months.

The certification of registration confers protection of design for 5 years, thereafter you need to renew the registration every 5^th year.

What are the Costs of Registering an Industrial Design in Kenya?

The number of unique designs you wish to have registered to determine the professional legal fees and government fees payable.