Why register your trademark in Kenya?
A trademark is your brand’s “legal fingerprint” — it protects the name, logo, slogan or distinctive identifier you use on specific goods/services. Registration strengthens your ability to stop imitators, license your brand, and prove ownership.
- Exclusive rights: stronger nationwide protection for the listed classes
- Asset value: trademarks can be licensed, franchised or assigned
- Enforcement: easier to act against counterfeiters and confusingly similar brands
- Business growth: helps with distribution agreements, investors and brand trust
Trademark requirements in Kenya (documents checklist)
For most filings, you’ll need the following information/documents:
Core filing checklist
- Applicant details — individual/company name, nationality, address
- Representation of the mark — word mark text or clear logo/device image
- Goods/services specification — choose correct Nice class(es) and wording
- TM2 application form
- Proof of identity (individual) or company incorporation documents (company)
- Payment proof for official filing fees
When using an agent (common for companies & foreign applicants)
- TM1 (appointment of agent) or signed authority document
- Address for service in Kenya (handled through your agent)
Tip: The #1 avoidable delay is a vague or incorrect class/specification. We help you draft class wording that matches your real use.
How to register a trademark in Kenya (step-by-step procedure)
This is the practical workflow most successful applicants follow:
1) Trademark search in Kenya (TM27) — before you file
Start with a clearance search to reduce objections and oppositions. A proper search includes: (a) checking the KIPI trademark database/journal for similar marks; and (b) a market search (online and offline) for confusingly similar brands in your sector.
- Goal: avoid “confusing similarity” conflicts
- Output: decide whether to proceed, modify the mark, or narrow the specification
2) Prepare and file the application (TM2)
You file TM2 with KIPI, selecting the appropriate Nice class(es). If filing a logo, ensure the image is high quality and consistent.
Common submission items include:
- Completed TM2 (application)
- TM1 (appointment of agent) if filing through an agent
- Trademark representation(s) (logo/device image as required)
- Class/specification wording (Nice Classification)
- Applicant identity/company documents and fee payment proof
Practical tip: Filing in the wrong class wastes time and money. If your business spans products + services, you may need multiple classes.
3) Examination (formality + substantive)
KIPI examines the application for formal compliance and registrability. If an examiner raises an objection or query, you typically respond with arguments, amendments, disclaimers or evidence (depending on the issue).
4) Publication and opposition period (60 days)
If accepted, the mark is published in the Industrial Property Journal. Third parties can oppose within 60 days. No opposition (or a successful defence) allows the registration to proceed.
5) Registration and certificate issuance
If unopposed (or after resolving disputes), KIPI registers the mark and issues the certificate. You then have a registrable asset you can license, assign or enforce.
Cost of trademark registration in Kenya (2026): official fees + professional fees
The total cost has two parts: (1) official KIPI fees (usually per class and per stage), and (2) professional/agent fees (varies by firm, classes and complexity).
Typical official fee checkpoints (what you pay and when)
| Stage | What it covers | Usually charged |
|---|---|---|
| Search (TM27) | Pre-filing clearance search in relevant class(es) | Per class |
| Application (TM2) | Filing the trademark in chosen Nice class(es) | First class + each additional class |
| Publication/Advertisement | Publishing the accepted mark for opposition | Per class / per application (per schedule) |
| Registration/Certificate | Entry on the register + certificate issuance | Per class / per application (per schedule) |
| Renewal | Keeping the mark active after validity period | Every 10 years |
Professional/agent fees (what firms typically charge)
Professional fees depend on the number of classes, brand risk, and whether there are objections/opposition. Many firms quote a fixed package for: search + filing + prosecution up to acceptance, with separate charges for disputes.
- Single-class filing package (common range): varies by firm and scope
- Multi-class: usually discounted per additional class
- Objections/oppositions: often billed separately due to workload
If you want a precise quote, send us your proposed mark, the goods/services, and whether you need 1 class or multiple classes.
Trademark registration timeline in Kenya (2026 guide)
A realistic timeline for many applications is 10–16 months. Straightforward filings can be shorter; disputes and examiner objections can extend beyond 18 months.
What happens at each stage (typical durations)
- Search (TM27): often quick (days) depending on process route
- Filing + examination: typically the longest stage (months)
- Publication: followed by a fixed 60-day opposition period
- Certificate issuance: typically weeks to a couple of months after clearance
Top causes of delay (and how to avoid them)
- Wrong class/specification: fix by drafting accurate Nice wording
- Low-distinctiveness mark: avoid generic/descriptive brand names
- Slow response to examiner queries: respond promptly and precisely
- Opposition: reduce risk via a serious clearance search and distinct branding
How long a trademark lasts in Kenya (validity & renewal)
A registered trademark is typically valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year cycles, as long as renewal fees are paid on time.
- Renewal window: file within the final 12 months before expiry (best practice)
- Late renewal: may be possible with penalties (subject to applicable rules)
Foreign applicants: local agent, address for service & Madrid route
Foreign companies commonly appoint a local agent in Kenya to file and manage correspondence (including an address for service). If you need protection in multiple countries, consider the Madrid System strategy (where applicable) alongside local filings.
When to use a Kenyan filing vs Madrid strategy
- Kenya-only protection: file locally with KIPI for speed and focus
- Multi-country expansion: consider Madrid designations where it fits your plan
- High-risk brand: do deeper searches and consider defensive filings
Trademark opposition in Kenya (60 days) — what to expect
After publication, third parties can oppose within 60 days. Oppositions can be based on prior rights, confusing similarity, bad faith and other grounds depending on the case.
Practical steps if your mark is opposed
- Evaluate the opponent’s basis (prior mark, market use, similarity)
- Consider coexistence/consent negotiations (where appropriate)
- Prepare evidence and legal arguments; manage timelines tightly
Enforcement & infringement: what to do if someone copies your brand
Registration strengthens enforcement. Your options depend on the channel (online, retail, imports, counterfeit production) and the evidence you can gather.
Common enforcement routes
- Cease-and-desist letter + negotiated undertakings
- Online takedowns (marketplaces, social media) with proof of rights
- Civil action (injunctions, damages) where necessary
- Anti-counterfeit coordination for physical goods (evidence-based approach)
Note: Unregistered marks may rely on passing-off, but registration usually makes the enforcement path cleaner and stronger.
Download: TM forms (TM1, TM2, TM27)
Free downloads: forms and a preparation checklist (PDF).
Tip: prepare your class/specification before completing TM2 — it’s where most filings go wrong.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do I register a trademark in Kenya?
Do a clearance search (TM27), file TM2 with KIPI, respond to examination queries, then your mark is published for 60 days for opposition. If unopposed, it proceeds to registration and certificate issuance.
How long does trademark registration take in Kenya?
Most matters take about 10–16 months. Objections, queries and oppositions can extend the timeline.
What is the cost of trademark registration in Kenya?
It depends on the number of classes, whether the applicant is local or foreign, and whether there are objections/oppositions. Official fees are set by KIPI; professional fees vary by firm.
Which forms do I need?
Common forms include TM27 (search), TM2 (application), TM1 (appointment of agent) and TM10 (renewal). Other forms apply for changes, assignments and licences.
Do foreign companies need a local trademark agent?
Foreign applicants commonly appoint a local agent and use an address for service in Kenya. Where applicable, international protection may also be pursued through the Madrid System strategy.
What is the 60-day opposition period?
After acceptance, the mark is published and third parties can oppose within 60 days from publication.
How long does a trademark last in Kenya?
Typically 10 years, renewable indefinitely in 10-year cycles subject to renewal procedures and fees.
Can I trademark a business name or company name?
Company/business name registration is different. A trademark protects a brand identifier for specific goods/services in chosen classes.
Can I register a logo as a trademark in Kenya?
Yes. Logos are filed as device marks. Ensure a clear representation and correct class/specification.
What can’t be registered as a trademark?
Marks that are purely descriptive, generic, misleading, or conflicting with earlier rights may be refused. A clearance search and distinct branding reduce the risk.
Get help: trademark search + TM2 filing + prosecution
Want us to handle the clearance search, TM2 filing, prosecution and monitoring? Call +254 700 176096 or email info@bieastafrica.com.