Intellectual property (IP) refers to inventions, designs, writings, films, plants and seeds. These are governed by international rules that allow people, companies and institutions to “protect” them through:
- Copyrights and trademarks
- Patents
- Industrial designs
- Geographical indications
- In the case of electronics, “integrated circuits topographies”.
Though your company may have intellectual property protection in Kenya, it is also necessary to obtain the same or similar protection in the country to which you will be exporting. As intellectual property law is complex, it is advisable to seek legal assistance in your foreign market’s country as well as advice from the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).
It is pertinent to investigate the intellectual property issues in your industry and how they apply to your product or services. For more information visit the KIPI website through https://www.kipi.go.ke/