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Trademark Kenya Quick Answers
Requirements (Micro-Answer)
To register a trademark in Kenya, you need applicant details, mark representation (name/logo), correct Nice class(es), and the required filing forms and fees.
Cost (Micro-Answer)
Official charges are per class and by stage (search, application, advertisement, registration, renewal). Total spend depends on number of classes and whether objections/opposition arise.
Timeline (Micro-Answer)
Most straightforward cases complete in around 8–18 months. Where objections/opposition occur, timelines can extend to 18–24+ months.
Patent vs Trademark (Micro-Answer)
You cannot patent a name. Business names, logos, and slogans are protected through trademark registration.
Trademark Law in Kenya
Trademarks in Kenya are governed by the Trade Marks Act, Cap 506. Applications are examined and registered through KIPI, and goods/services are classified under the Nice Classification.
Who Should Register a Trademark in Kenya?
- Startups launching a new brand name or logo
- Established businesses expanding product lines
- Foreign companies entering the Kenyan market
- Online businesses, apps, and digital-first brands
Requirements for Trademark Registration in Kenya
To file a trademark in Kenya, you need a distinctive mark, complete applicant details, correctly drafted goods/services in the right Nice class, and the prescribed forms/fees at each stage.
Core filing requirements
- Applicant details: full legal name, address, nationality, and contact details.
- Mark representation: clear word mark, logo, device, or combined mark.
- Specification of goods/services: precise coverage in the correct Nice class(es).
- Application form: TM2 for registration filing.
- Official fee payment: charged per class and stage.
Additional requirements for foreign / non-resident applicants
- TM1 (appointment of local agent), where applicable.
- Kenyan address for service (commonly handled through TM32 route in practice).
Registrability threshold (commonly missed)
- The mark should be distinctive and not confusingly similar to earlier registered/pending marks.
- Descriptive or generic terms may attract objections or disclaimer requirements.
Practical pre-filing checklist
- Run a similarity/preliminary search before filing.
- Confirm class strategy and specification language.
- Ensure legal names on forms and supporting documents match exactly.
- For foreign applicants, prepare agency/address-for-service documents early.
Official fee anchor (example): TM2 filing is listed at KES 4,000 (first class) / KES 3,000 (subsequent class) for local applicants, with foreign applicant columns listed in USD.
Need class support first? See Trademark Classes in Kenya for class strategy examples.
How to Register a Trademark in Kenya (Step-by-Step)
- Conduct TM27 search: check for conflicting/similar marks and class risk.
- Choose Nice class(es): define goods/services clearly before filing.
- File TM2 application: submit applicant details, mark representation, and class scope.
- Examination at KIPI: respond to objections/clarifications where raised.
- Advertisement: accepted applications are published in the Journal.
- Opposition period: third parties may oppose within 60 days of publication.
- Registration: if unopposed/successful, certificate is issued.
Foreign applicants: usually proceed through a local agent and Kenyan address-for-service route.
Related pages: Trademark Classes in Kenya | Trademark Assignment in Kenya
Cost of Trademark registration in Kenya
The table below shows official KIPI trademark fees based on the attached fee schedule. Fees are generally charged per class.
| Process / Application | Local Applicants (KES) | Foreign Applicants (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preliminary Advice / Similarity Search — TM27 | 3,000 (first class) / 2,000 (subsequent classes) | 150 (first class) / 100 (subsequent classes) |
| 2. Formal Application — TM2 | 4,000 (first class) / 3,000 (subsequent classes) | 200 (first class) / 150 (subsequent classes) |
| 3. Advertisement | 3,000 (first class) / 2,500 (subsequent classes) | 60 (first class) / 50 (subsequent classes) |
| 4. Registration | 2,000 (first class) / 1,500 (subsequent classes) | 150 (first class) / 100 (subsequent classes) |
| 5. Renewal — TM10 | 4,000 (first class) / 3,000 (subsequent classes) | 200 (first class) / 150 (subsequent classes) |
| 6. Change of Name — TM20 | 3,000 (first trade mark) / 500 (each additional) | 150 (first trade mark) / 50 (each additional) |
| 7. Change of Address — TM17 | 2,000 (first class) / 1,000 (subsequent classes) | 100 (first class) / 50 (subsequent classes) |
| 8. Assignment — TM14 | 3,000 (first class) / 2,000 (subsequent classes) | 150 (first class) / 100 (subsequent classes) |
| 9. Registered User / Licence Entry — TM48 | 6,000 (first class) / 5,000 (subsequent classes) | 300 (first class) / 250 (subsequent classes) |
| 10. Agency — TM1 | 1,000 | 50 |
Notes: Foreign fee applies where the payer does not reside in Kenya and has no principal place of business in Kenya. TM32 (address for service) is listed as no fee. Confirm current charges at filing.
How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Kenya?
Short answer: Straightforward trademark filings in Kenya commonly complete in about 8–18 months. If objections or opposition occur, timelines can extend to 18–24+ months.
A key statutory timing point is the opposition stage: once a mark is published in the Journal, third parties may file opposition within 60 days.
Typical timeline by stage (indicative)
| Stage | Indicative Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filing search & class strategy | 3–14 days | TM27 similarity check and class/specification setup. |
| Application filing (TM2) | 1–7 days | Submission of mark, applicant data, and class scope. |
| Examination | 2–6 months | KIPI formal/substantive review; objections may issue. |
| Publication | Variable | Accepted application appears in the Journal. |
| Opposition window | 60 days | Third parties may oppose from publication date. |
| Registration & certificate | 1–4 months | Certificate issuance if unopposed or opposition resolved. |
Common causes of delay
- Similarity conflicts with earlier marks
- Descriptive/non-distinctive mark wording
- Overly broad or inaccurate class specification
- Late or incomplete response to office actions
- Opposition proceedings and evidence rounds
Planning tip: For product launch calendars, use a conservative baseline of 12 months, then keep contingency for objections/opposition.
Full list of classes: Trademark Classes in Kenya
Can Foreigners Register a Trademark in Kenya?
Yes. Foreign applicants can register trademarks in Kenya. In practice, non-resident applicants usually file through a local trademark agent and provide a Kenyan address for service.
How to Patent a Name in Kenya (Important Clarification)
Names, logos, and slogans are not protected by patents. You protect brand identifiers through trademark registration. Patents apply to inventions/technical solutions.
Trademark Registration Kenya FAQs
How much does it cost to trademark a name in Kenya?
Official fees are charged per class and by stage. Total cost depends on classes filed and professional support scope.
How do I trademark my business name in Kenya?
Run TM27 search, choose class(es), file TM2, pass examination/publication, then complete registration.
How long does trademark registration take in Kenya?
Straightforward cases often complete in 8–18 months. With objections/opposition, timelines can extend to 18–24+ months.
How long is a trademark valid in Kenya?
10 years, renewable in further 10-year periods.
What is KIPI trademark search?
It is a similarity/preliminary advice search (TM27) used to assess registrability risk before filing.
What if someone opposes my trademark?
You can file a counter-statement and evidence; the registrar then determines the opposition process.
Official Sources
Trademark Agents in Kenya — Filing Support
Need help with search, class strategy, filing, objections, opposition response, or renewal?
Call +254 757 884 710 | Email info@bizbrokerskenya.com | WhatsApp
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Trademark Agents in Kenya
We are registered trademark agents in Kenya supporting clients in Kenya and abroad with filing, prosecution, and renewals.