Trademark registration in Kenya is handled by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). This guide explains how to register a trademark in Kenya, the documents you need, the key KIPI forms, the official fee schedule, and what to expect during examination, publication and the 60-day opposition window.
What is a Trademark in Kenya?
A trademark is a distinctive sign (name, logo, symbol, device, or a combination) used to distinguish your goods or services from others. Registering your mark helps you prove ownership and strengthens enforcement options if competitors imitate your brand.
Why Register a Trademark in Kenya?
- Exclusive rights to use the mark for the registered classes in Kenya.
- Stronger enforcement position against confusingly similar brands.
- Commercial value: licensing, franchising, assignments, and investor confidence.
- Marketplace clarity: helps customers identify authentic goods/services.
Requirements for Trademark Registration in Kenya (Checklist)
1) Applicant details
- Full name (individual / company / partnership), nationality/country of incorporation
- Address, email, phone
- If company: incorporation/registration details (helpful for clean records)
2) The mark
- Word mark and/or logo (clear image file if it’s a device mark)
- Any claimed colors (if applicable)
3) Goods/services + classes
- Choose the correct classes under the Nice Classification and write a clear specification
4) Key KIPI forms (common)
- TM2 – Application to register a trademark :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- TM6 – Notice of opposition (if someone opposes) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- TM7 – Counterstatement (reply to opposition) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- TM10 – Renewal :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- TM1 – Appointment of agent (commonly used where an agent files) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- TM32 – Address for service (no fee listed on schedule) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Tip: Your biggest “silent killer” is inconsistency—names, addresses and the mark representation must match across the application and correspondence.
How to Register a Trademark in Kenya (KIPI Step-by-Step)
- Clearance search (recommended): reduce the risk of filing a mark that will be objected to or opposed.
- Prepare filing: confirm owner name, classes, and specification; finalize the mark artwork.
- File TM2: application is examined for formalities and registrability. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Examination outcome: if objections are raised, respond within the set time with arguments/amendments.
- Publication: accepted marks are published for public notice and possible opposition (commonly 60 days). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Opposition (if any): opponent files TM6; applicant replies via TM7; matter proceeds to determination. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Registration & certificate: if unopposed (or opposition resolved), the mark proceeds to registration.
Cost of Trademark Registration in Kenya (Official KIPI Fees)
Below are core fee lines from KIPI’s published schedule (local in KES; foreign in USD). Always confirm the latest schedule before paying.
| Item | Local (KES) | Foreign (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TM2 Application (first class) | 4,000 | 200 | Application to register a trademark |
| TM2 Application (each subsequent class) | 3,000 | 150 | Additional classes on the same filing |
| Advertisement fee (first class) | 3,000 | 60 | Payable before publication |
| Advertisement fee (each subsequent class) | 2,500 | 50 | Additional classes |
| Registration fee (first class) | 2,000 | 150 | Upon registration stage |
| Registration fee (each subsequent class) | 1,500 | 100 | Additional classes |
| Opposition (TM6) first class | 5,000 | 250 | If a third party opposes |
| Opposition (TM6) subsequent class | 4,000 | 200 | Additional classes |
| Renewal (TM10) first class | 4,000 | 200 | Every 10 years |
| Renewal (TM10) subsequent class | 3,000 | 150 | Additional classes |
Fee source: KIPI published trade mark fee schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Trademark Registration Timeline in Kenya
A common planning range is 10–16 months for accepted and unopposed marks. Oppositions, objections, weak specifications, or slow responses can extend the process.
What speeds things up
- Good clearance search + correct class/specification
- High-quality mark artwork and consistent applicant details
- Fast responses to examiner queries
Foreign Applicants (Non-Residents)
Foreign applicants can register trademarks in Kenya and commonly file through a local agent and maintain an address for service. This also helps with fast turnaround on KIPI correspondence.
Oppositions & Common Objections (What Derails Applications)
- Similarity/conflict: your mark is confusingly similar to an earlier mark in the same/related class.
- Non-distinctive mark: overly descriptive names without distinctive character.
- Wrong class/specification: vague or misclassified goods/services.
- Opposition filed: third party challenges the registration after publication (handled through TM6/TM7 steps). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Many page-1 guides emphasize publication/opposition as the pivot point of the process. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
FAQs: Trademark Registration in Kenya
How long is a trademark valid in Kenya?
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years and is renewable in further 10-year periods.
How long does registration take?
Plan roughly 10–16 months for accepted, unopposed marks. Objections/oppositions can extend this.
What forms matter most?
TM2 for filing; TM6/TM7 if opposition occurs; TM10 for renewals. KIPI also publishes official forms lists. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Do I get protection during the application period?
Filing creates an earlier priority position and can help block later conflicting filings in the same space, but enforcement strategy depends on the facts (and is strongest after registration).
Need Help Registering a Trademark in Kenya?
We assist with: clearance search strategy, class selection, TM2 filing, handling objections, publication/opposition steps, registration follow-up, renewals and recordals.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and does not replace advice for a specific matter.
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