Qualifying for a patent - Kenya

How to get a patent in Kenya

A patent is  a  legally enforceable right, granted by the government  in return for disclosure of the  invention to the public.

Patent protection is territorial, meaning every country grants patents that are only applicable and enforceable in that country. In other words, patents rights can only be enforced in a country where the patent is granted and in force. 

Kenya  Industrial  Property  Institute  (KIPI)  is  responsible  for  examining  and  granting patents in Kenya. KIPI operates under the Industrial Property Act 2001.

However, it is also  possible  to  obtain  a  patent  through  the  African  Regional  Intellectual  Property Organization  (ARIPO),  which  is  a  regional  intergovernmental  organization mandated  to  grant  patents  on  behalf  of  its  member states. Currently ARIPO has a membership of 16 African countries.

What is the cost of a patent?

Patent  costs  vary  from  case  to  case and increase  significantly  if  one  seeks  patents overseas. 

The  cost  may  also  vary  if  the  applicant  uses  the  services  of  patent  agents, who have their own set of fees. 

To file an application in Kenya, at a minimum the following fees are applicable:

• Filing fee of Ksh3,000 - due when the application is filed;
• Publication fee of Ksh3,000 - due after 18 months from the filing date;
• Examination fee of Ksh 5,000 - due within 3 years from the filing date;
• Grant fee of Ksh 3,000 - due once the patent has been accepted for grant.