The EU and Kenyan business community meet in Nairobi to discuss intellectual property rights

Nairobi, Kenya, 17 October 2023: The Africa IP SME Helpdesk, together with the Netherlands Business Hub Kenya (NLBH) organised the ‘Seminar on opportunities for EU SMEs to leverage intellectual property rights for business growth in Kenya and abroad’ to create a forum to discuss the importance of IP management for EU SMEs when doing business in Kenya and abroad. It is worth noting that the event was facilitated by the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) of Italy.

Held at the Trade Mark Hotel in Nairobi, the half-day event brought together both European and Kenyan business representatives, institutional representatives, intellectual property experts and innovation accelerators and other stakeholders. Following the opening remarks by officials from the EU Delegation to Kenya and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, several topics on IP and innovation were discussed, namely:

• The example of UNIDO ITPO Italy on energy and environment
• The importance of using IP to grow and protect businesses in Kenya and abroad
• Case study of the Kenyan based branch of the Italian company ALMACIS
• Practical tips for a workable IP strategy for Africa

The seminar provided a valuable platform for EU and Kenyan stakeholders to engage in interactive discussions with the IPR expert and each other on IP strategies for the development of businesses in the region. On-site participants were also able to network with other professionals, potential partners and industry leaders, as well as engage with business and IP experts who can provide first-hand advice on expanding business and protecting and enforcing IP rights in Kenya and other non-EU territories.