The Kenyan Industrial Property Act of 2001 provides for the registration and protection of Patents in Kenya. The Kenya Industrial Property Institute is the statutory Patent Office and handles all matters involving the filing, prosecution and registration of Patents with the Industrial Property Tribunal having the original jurisdiction on Patent disputes. Wanam’s Patent practice is considered hereinbelow.

Drawing of Patent Specification and Claims
Drawing of claims and specifications and consultations on the drafting and preparations of Patent specifications and claims for and on behalf of clients.

Local and Foreign Patent Application
Preparation, filing and prosecution to grant of local and foreign patent applications. Wanam also handle Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and ARIPO applications and subsequent foreign (and local) national phase application and process.

Searches on Patentability
Searches on the patentability of inventions through online databases and the databases of various Patent Offices.

Patent renewals
In Kenya both applications for patents and patents are subject to an annual Patent maintenance fee. In respect to the same Wanam issue timely reminders and facilitate their payments on behalf of our clients making sure that at all times their Patents remain valid in Kenya.

Recordal of Assignments
Wanam provide services in the drawing of assignment documents, advice and negotiations on assignment of Patent and the recordal of the assignment both in Kenya and the East African countries.

Litigation and Disputes on Patents
Before the Industrial Property Act of 2001 was enacted, the High Court of Kenya had the original jurisdiction on Patent disputes. Thereafter, disputes involving, inter alia, Patent infringement and claims of infringement are determined by the Industrial Property Tribunal which enjoys an original jurisdiction with the High Court of Kenya now having appellate juridction from the decisions of the Industrial Property Tribunal. Only registered Patent Agents can appear before the tribunal to represent their clients. Wanam offer presentation before both the Tribunal and the High Court of Kenya.

Recordal of Change of Name and Address
Any change of name or address of an Applicant or a Patent owner must be duly recorded at the Patent Office. Wanam attend to that for and on behalf of clients.