News

Kenya – Clarification on Power of Attorney fees
Burundi – New Trademarks Law

Kenya – Clarification on Power of Attorney fees
The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) announced that a separate USD 50 fee is payable for “Power of attorney filing fees” for each matter esp. Trademark applications, renewals. As for assignment, merger, change of name, change of address and licenses, a single USD 50 will suffice even if for multiple marks provided the recordal is for the same owner in the a single document at the same time.

Burundi – New Trademarks Law
A new Trademarks Law has been drafted which has below noteworthy points;

• Trademarks, Service Marks, Collective Marks, Certification Marks and Commercial Names will be registrable
• First to use rule meaning a Trademark application can be refused registration on the basis of a prior unregistered mark which has been in use
• Concurrent existence of identical marks for identical goods and/or services
• Convention Priority claims will be allowed
• Renewal of marks will be due 10 years from filing date, and every 10 years thereafter. Late renewal with a fine will be allowed with a grace period of 6 months
• License agreements must include a provision for the licensor to retain quality control and compulsory licenses can be issued by Trademarks Office
  
  We will keep you posted of the further developments.