As part of its initiative to curb illicit trade in counterfeit goods, the Kenyan government has introduced the compulsory recordation of IP rights at the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority. With the new requirement due to come into effect on 1 January 2023, Volha Parfenchyk explains the procedure.
The recordation of IP rights at the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is set to become mandatory as of 1 January 2023 for all rights holders importing goods bearing their IP to the country ( ACA Public Notice No 2/2022). Failure to do so will be considered an offence, leading to a fine or even imprisonment.
Why this new requirement?
Changes in Kenyan IP law, aimed at strengthening the country's illicit trade and anti-counterfeiting policy, have been underway for several years. In 2019, the Kenyan government amended the 2008 Anti-Counterfeit Act by introducing the mandatory requirement to record IP rights, relating to imported goods, at the ACA. The 2021 Anti-Counterfeit Recordation Regulations further detail the procedure for enforcement of the recordation requirements. Although it is not yet certain whether the recordation will apply to all IP rights, including patents, it is certain that trademark holders will be obliged to register their trademarks at the ACA if they wish to continue importing goods bearing their trademark(s) to Kenya.
Recordation of IP rights: the procedure
IP owners must submit an application at the ACA requesting the registration of their IP rights. The application must conform to the prescribed criteria and contain the requested information about the IP owner and their IP rights, such as the name of the company, the place of manufacture of the goods, and include samples or digital photos of the imported goods. The application must be accompanied by a copy of the registration certificate of the respective IP right. The recordation will remain valid for one year, after which period the IP owner will be able to submit an application requesting the renewal of the recordation.
Preparing for the new requirement
Much remains uncertain about how the recordation of IP rights will be implemented in practice. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare for this change if you wish to continue importing the goods, bearing your IP right(s), to Kenya without the prospects of facing legal charges. Once more details become available, we will update this article.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
