Last reviewed: 19 August 2026 | Primary sources: Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), the Trade Marks Act, KIPI fee schedules, KIPI forms and the KIPI eCitizen service channel.
Trademark registration in Kenya is the process of protecting a brand name, logo, slogan, device mark or other distinctive sign for specified goods or services through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). A registered trademark gives the proprietor a clearer statutory basis for exclusive rights in Kenya than company-name or business-name registration alone.
Quick Answers: Trademark Registration in Kenya
Short answer: choose the owner and Nice class, conduct a KIPI TM27 search, file the TM2 application, respond to examination, proceed to publication and the 60-day opposition period, then complete registration if no successful opposition is filed.
| Cost | Indicative official KIPI checkpoints for one local class: KES 12,000. For one foreign class: USD 560. These figures exclude agent/professional fees and any objection, opposition or amendment work. |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Correct applicant/owner, registrable mark, Nice class, clear goods or services specification, address for service and authority to act where an agent is used. |
| Documents | Applicant details, clear word/logo representation, class and specification, TM2 filing details, TM1/authority where applicable, and supporting identification or incorporation information when required for the filing mandate. |
| Process | TM27 search → TM2 filing → KIPI examination → acceptance/publication → 60-day opposition period → registration and certificate. |
| Processing time | Plan for about 10–16 months for a straightforward application. Registry workload, objections, publication timing and oppositions can extend the process. |
| Key outcome | A registered Kenya trademark, renewable in further 10-year periods, subject to continued compliance and the applicable renewal procedure. |
Online filing: KIPI services can be accessed through the KIPI eCitizen channel for online applications and government payments.
On this page
Trademark Registration Cost in Kenya
The cost of registering a trademark in Kenya depends on whether the applicant is local or foreign, the number of Nice classes, whether an agent is appointed, and whether there are objections, amendments or opposition proceedings. Official KIPI fees are separate from professional or agent fees.
How much is trademark registration in Kenya?
For planning purposes, a straightforward local single-class trademark has an indicative official KIPI checkpoint total of KES 12,000 for TM27 preliminary advice/search, TM2 application, advertisement and registration, excluding professional fees and any agent appointment fee. A straightforward foreign single-class trademark has an indicative official checkpoint total of USD 560 for the same stages, excluding professional fees and agent appointment fees.
What changes the final cost?
- Number of Nice classes filed.
- Whether the applicant is local or foreign.
- Whether a trademark agent is appointed.
- Whether KIPI raises objections or a third party files opposition.
- Whether amendments, renewals, assignments, enforcement or portfolio work is required.
| Stage | Local applicant | Foreign applicant | Form / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary advice / search | KES 3,000 first class; KES 2,000 each subsequent class | USD 150 first class; USD 100 each subsequent class | TM27 |
| Application filing | KES 4,000 first class; KES 3,000 each subsequent class | USD 200 first class; USD 150 each subsequent class | TM2 |
| Advertisement / publication | KES 3,000 first class; KES 2,500 each subsequent class | USD 60 first class; USD 50 each subsequent class | Publication stage |
| Registration / certificate | KES 2,000 first class; KES 1,500 each subsequent class | USD 150 first class; USD 100 each subsequent class | Registration stage |
| Appointment of agent | KES 1,000 | USD 50 | TM1 |
| Renewal | KES 4,000 first class; KES 3,000 each subsequent class | USD 200 first class; USD 150 each subsequent class | TM10 |
Important: Fees can change. Confirm the latest KIPI fee schedule before filing or payment. Professional fees, opposition handling, amendment work, enforcement and multi-country strategy are separate.
Single-class official fee example
| Applicant type | Search | Application | Advertisement | Registration | Indicative official total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local applicant, 1 class | KES 3,000 | KES 4,000 | KES 3,000 | KES 2,000 | KES 12,000 excluding agent/professional fees |
| Foreign applicant, 1 class | USD 150 | USD 200 | USD 60 | USD 150 | USD 560 excluding agent/professional fees |
Trademark Search in Kenya: TM27 Preliminary Advice
A trademark search in Kenya should be done before filing the TM2 application. The TM27 preliminary advice/search helps identify identical or confusingly similar marks already on the KIPI register or pending before KIPI. It is not a final guarantee of registration, but it reduces avoidable objections, oppositions and wasted filing fees.
| TM27 search issue | Why it matters | Practical filing advice |
|---|---|---|
| Identical or similar earlier marks | KIPI may object if the proposed mark is confusingly similar to an earlier mark in the same or related class. | Search before filing and consider modifying the brand, narrowing the specification or choosing a different mark. |
| Correct Nice class | A mark is protected in relation to specific goods or services, not every business activity generally. | Choose the class based on actual goods/services and future expansion plans. |
| Distinctiveness | Purely descriptive, generic or misleading marks are more likely to face objections. | Use distinctive brand names and avoid relying only on descriptive industry terms. |
| Opposition risk | Even if KIPI accepts the mark, third parties may oppose it after publication. | Combine the TM27 search with a market and online search before launching the brand widely. |
Get a Free Trademark Registration Quote
Send the proposed trademark or logo, the goods/services you want protected, the applicant name and country, and the number of classes if known. We can confirm the filing scope and quote the applicable professional fees separately from KIPI fees.
Trademark Registration Requirements and Documents in Kenya
The application should identify the correct proprietor, the exact mark to be protected and the goods or services for which protection is sought. The quality of the filing at this stage affects examination, publication and later enforcement.
Who can register a trademark in Kenya?
An individual, Kenyan company, foreign company, partnership, association or other legal person may apply to register a trademark if it claims proprietorship of the mark for the relevant goods or services. Foreign applicants should also comply with KIPI's local-agent requirement.
Core filing requirements
- Applicant/owner: full legal name, nationality or country of incorporation and contact/address details.
- Trademark: the exact word mark, logo, slogan, device or combined mark to be protected.
- Nice class: the correct class or classes for the goods or services.
- Specification: clear wording describing the goods or services covered by the application.
- Address for service: especially important where a foreign applicant is represented in Kenya.
- Agent authority: TM1 or other required authority where an agent is appointed.
Documents and information to prepare
| Item | What to provide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant details | Full legal name, address, nationality/country of incorporation, email and telephone. | The trademark should be filed in the name of the correct proprietor. |
| Trademark representation | Exact word mark or a clear, high-quality logo/device image. | KIPI examines and publishes the mark as filed. |
| Goods/services | A practical description of what the brand covers. | This determines the Nice class and scope of protection. |
| Class selection | Relevant Nice class or classes. | Trademark protection is tied to specified goods/services, not every business activity automatically. |
| Agent authorization | TM1/authority where applicable. | Required to formalize representation where an agent is used. |
| Priority details | Earlier foreign filing details and supporting priority document where priority is claimed. | May preserve an earlier priority date where the legal conditions are met. |
How to Register a Trademark in Kenya
The KIPI registration methodology can be reduced to eight practical stages. The application can be prepared and paid for through the KIPI/eCitizen service channel, but the underlying legal requirements remain the same.
- Define the mark and owner. Decide whether to protect a word mark, logo/device, slogan or combined mark, and confirm the correct legal proprietor.
- Choose the Nice class and specification. Match the filing to the goods or services the business actually provides or genuinely plans to provide.
- Conduct the TM27 trademark search. Check for identical or confusingly similar earlier marks and assess distinctiveness before filing.
- Prepare the TM2 application. Include the applicant details, mark representation, class and goods/services specification; prepare TM1/authority where an agent is appointed.
- File with KIPI and pay the official fee. Submit the application through the applicable KIPI service channel and retain the filing reference and payment record.
- Respond to KIPI examination. Deal with any formality, similarity, descriptiveness, disclaimer or specification issues raised by the Registry.
- Proceed to publication and opposition. If accepted, the application is advertised in the Industrial Property Journal and exposed to a 60-day opposition period.
- Complete registration. If there is no successful opposition, pay the applicable registration-stage fee and obtain the trademark certificate.
Why the TM27 search matters
A TM27 search is preliminary advice/search before the TM2 filing. It is not a guarantee of registration, but it helps identify earlier marks and obvious registrability risks before the applicant commits to the full filing process. For the page's existing cost intent, the official local first-class TM27 search fee is shown above as KES 3,000.
Talk to Us Before Filing
If you are unsure about the owner, class, wording of the specification, foreign-applicant route or whether to file a word mark and logo separately, send the proposed mark and a short description of the business before filing.
Trademark Processing Time, Opposition and Renewal in Kenya
For planning purposes, a straightforward Kenyan trademark application commonly takes about 10 to 16 months from filing to certificate. This is a practical estimate rather than a guaranteed KIPI service standard; examination queues, objections, publication timing and opposition proceedings can make a case shorter or longer.
| Stage | Planning range | Typical delay risk |
|---|---|---|
| TM27 search | A few days to a few weeks | Multiple classes, registry workload or similarity issues. |
| TM2 filing | Same day once the file is complete | Wrong owner, missing authority, unclear logo or poor specification. |
| KIPI examination | Several months | Similarity, descriptiveness, disclaimers, formality or classification queries. |
| Publication | After acceptance | Industrial Property Journal publication cycle. |
| Opposition | 60 days from publication | A third party files opposition or seeks an extension permitted by the Rules. |
| Registration/certificate | After opposition clearance | Outstanding fees, unresolved objections or registry processing backlog. |
What is the 60-day opposition period?
After acceptance, the trademark is advertised in the Industrial Property Journal. A person with grounds to challenge the registration may lodge a notice of opposition within the prescribed 60-day period. If an opposition is filed, the application moves into a contested procedure and the overall timeline and cost can increase substantially.
How long does a Kenya trademark last?
A registered trademark is protected for a 10-year term and may be renewed for further 10-year periods by following the prescribed KIPI renewal process and paying the applicable fee. Keep the proprietor and address-for-service details current so renewal and Registry correspondence are not missed.
Common causes of delay
- Filing a descriptive, generic or confusingly similar mark.
- Choosing the wrong class or using an unclear goods/services specification.
- Inconsistent owner details or incomplete agent authority.
- Slow responses to KIPI examination queries.
- Third-party opposition after publication.
- Late payment of the next official fee stage.
Trademark Registration in Kenya for Foreign Applicants
Foreign individuals and foreign companies can register trademarks in Kenya. KIPI states that a foreign applicant's application must be processed by a local agent. Foreign official fee rates apply under KIPI's fee schedule where the relevant payer/applicant does not reside or have a principal place of business in Kenya.
Direct KIPI filing or Madrid System?
| Route | When it may fit | Kenya effect |
|---|---|---|
| Direct KIPI filing | Kenya is a priority market or the applicant wants a Kenya-specific filing strategy. | Application is prosecuted directly before KIPI. |
| Madrid System designation | The brand is pursuing protection in multiple Madrid System members. | Kenya can be designated through the Madrid System, but KIPI can still examine/refuse protection under Kenyan law. |
Trademark Registration vs Company or Business Name Registration
These registrations solve different legal problems. Registering a company or business name with the Business Registration Service creates or records the business entity/name. Registering a trademark with KIPI protects the brand identifier for the specified goods or services.
| Issue | Company/business name | Trademark |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | Business Registration Service / Companies Registry | Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) |
| Main purpose | Create or record the legal/business name. | Protect a brand name, logo, slogan or device mark. |
| Scope | Entity/name administration. | Specified goods/services and classes. |
| Brand protection | Does not by itself provide the same trademark rights. | Provides the registered trademark right subject to the Act and registration scope. |
If you are setting up the business as well as protecting the brand, see our separate Kenya company registration service. If an existing registered trademark is being sold or transferred, use our separate trademark assignment in Kenya page so the registration and assignment intents remain distinct.
Trademark Registration Service in Kenya
BIEA supports local and foreign applicants with trademark searches, filing preparation, class/specification review, KIPI filing follow-up and post-filing administration. This page owns the trademark registration in Kenya intent; separate pages should own assignment or other specialist post-registration transactions.
| Service | Scope |
|---|---|
| Trademark search / clearance | Prepare the TM27 search and assess obvious identical or confusingly similar marks before TM2 filing. |
| Class and specification review | Map the client's goods/services to the relevant Nice class and refine the specification. |
| TM2 filing support | Prepare applicant, mark and class details and manage the filing package. |
| Foreign applicant support | Coordinate the local-agent/authority requirements and foreign-fee filing route. |
| KIPI correspondence | Track the matter and address routine examination or registry queries within the agreed scope. |
| Publication and registration follow-up | Monitor publication, the opposition stage and final registration-stage requirements. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration in Kenya
How much does trademark registration cost in Kenya?
For a local single-class application, the core official KIPI checkpoints shown on this page total about KES 12,000: KES 3,000 TM27 search, KES 4,000 TM2 application, KES 3,000 advertisement and KES 2,000 registration. For a foreign single-class application, the equivalent checkpoints total about USD 560. Agent/professional fees and contested work are separate.
What are the requirements for trademark registration in Kenya?
You need the correct proprietor, a registrable mark, applicant details, the correct Nice class, a clear goods/services specification, the mark representation and the applicable authority/address-for-service documents where an agent is used.
What documents are required to register a trademark in Kenya?
Prepare the applicant's legal details, a clear word/logo representation, the goods/services description, class information, TM2 filing details and TM1/authority where applicable. Priority documents are also needed if a foreign priority claim is made.
How do I register a brand name or logo in Kenya?
Start with a TM27 search, select the correct Nice class, file TM2 with KIPI, respond to examination, proceed to publication, clear the 60-day opposition period and complete registration. Word marks and logos may be filed separately where broader protection is commercially important.
How long does trademark registration take in Kenya?
A practical planning range for a straightforward filing is about 10–16 months. Examination workload, objections, publication timing, late responses and opposition proceedings may extend the timeline.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Kenya?
Yes. KIPI allows foreign applicants, but its published guidance states that a foreign applicant's application must be processed by a local agent. Foreign official fee rates also apply in the circumstances set by the KIPI fee schedule.
Is a trademark search mandatory before filing?
The TM27 search is strongly recommended because it identifies earlier marks and obvious registrability risks before TM2 filing. It does not guarantee approval, but it reduces avoidable filing risk.
What happens if KIPI objects to the application?
The applicant may need to respond to the objection, amend or narrow the specification, enter a disclaimer, clarify the mark or make legal submissions depending on the issue. The appropriate response depends on the exact examination notice.
Can a company name registration replace a trademark?
No. Company/business name registration and trademark registration serve different purposes. A valuable brand should be assessed separately for trademark protection through KIPI.
Official Sources and Legal Basis
Information reviewed on 19 August 2026. Trademark forms, fees, eCitizen workflows and Registry practice can change; confirm the current KIPI schedule and portal invoice before payment.
- KIPI — Trade Marks guidance
- KIPI — Fees Schedules
- KIPI — Patent and Trademark Forms
- KIPI eCitizen — Online Services
- Kenya Law — Trade Marks Act
- WIPO — Madrid System Members
- ARIPO — Banjul Protocol Trademark System
Content Review
This page was reviewed by the Business & Immigration East Africa trademark filing team against current KIPI guidance, KIPI fee/form resources, the Trade Marks Act and the KIPI eCitizen service channel. It is general information and not a substitute for advice on a contested or fact-specific trademark matter.
Start a Trademark Registration in Kenya
For a filing quote, send the proposed trademark or logo, applicant name and country, the goods/services to be protected and any classes already identified. We can then confirm the filing scope, official KIPI stages and our professional support fee.
Call: +254 700 176 096
Email: info@bieastafrica.com