Share
Kenya set to review her intellectual property laws
Through the Intellectual Property Bill 2020, Kenya is set to review her intellectual property laws. The first major proposed change is to harmonise all the pieces of legislation into one known as the Intellectual Property Act. To better understand how this move is set to spur innovation, Elizabeth Lenjo, IP and Entertainment Law Expert joins CNBC Africa for more.
Thu, 18 Jun 2020 14:55:56 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Consolidation of existing legislation into the Intellectual Property Act to streamline processes and foster innovation.
- Challenges and concerns regarding potential delays in amending the consolidated act due to multiple stakeholders.
- Gap in policy development highlighted, emphasizing the need for accelerated policymaking to align with industry changes.
Kenya is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its intellectual property landscape with the Intellectual Property Bill of 2020 poised to revolutionize existing laws. The proposed change aims to consolidate various pieces of legislation into a singular Intellectual Property Act. This move is expected to streamline processes and enhance innovation in the country.
Elizabeth Lenjo, an IP and Entertainment Law Expert, shed light on the potential impact of these changes during an interview with CNBC Africa. Lenjo highlighted that the new legislation will encompass laws such as the Copyright Act, the Trade Mark Act, and the Industrial Property Act while also introducing regulations on geographical indications.
Lenjo expressed concerns about the potential challenges that may arise from consolidating multiple laws under one act. She emphasized the importance of efficient amendment processes to ensure that innovation is not hindered by bureaucratic delays.
The current Intellectual Property landscape in Kenya has been described as robust by Lenjo. Existing laws, including the Copyright Laws and the Industrial Property Act, have been functioning effectively. However, Lenjo pointed out the need for increased accessibility to these laws for local entrepreneurs and non-legal professionals.
Harmonization of intellectual property laws has become a pressing issue in Kenya, with the government aiming to centralize registration processes. While the move is intended to streamline operations, Lenjo raised concerns about potential delays in amending the consolidated act due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
When discussing the importance of harmonization, Lenjo suggested that a coordinated approach through an Intellectual Property Office Coordination Bill may have been a more effective solution. By keeping laws separate while centralizing registration processes, the amendment process could be expedited, allowing for quicker adjustments to accommodate evolving industry needs.
Despite the push for harmonization, Lenjo highlighted a gap in policy development in Kenya. The intellectual property policy has remained in draft form for the past seven to eight years, indicating a need for accelerated policy-making to align with the changing landscape.
Lenjo emphasized the significance of stakeholder engagement in shaping policies and regulations to support innovation and international best practices. As Kenya strives to attract businesses and foster a conducive environment for growth, a comprehensive intellectual property framework is essential to drive economic development and technological advancement.
In conclusion, as Kenya embarks on revising its intellectual property laws, stakeholders must collaborate to navigate the complexities of harmonization while ensuring that the regulatory environment remains conducive to innovation and economic growth.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
DAILY UPDATE
Get the best of CNBC Africa sent straight to your inbox with breaking business news, insights and updates from experts across the continent.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.