Kenya commemorated this year’s World Anti-Counterfeit Day by hosting the second edition of the International Symposium on Intellectual Property, Protection,and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2).
The conference was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Ms. Rebecca Miano, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of IP protection in ensuring consumer safety and fostering innovation.In her opening address, CS Miano emphasized the importance of robust IP frameworks in safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products and promoting a healthy, competitive market.Consumer safety is paramount, and strong intellectual property enforcement is essential to protect the public from the dangers of counterfeit goods. This forum underscores our commitment to
fostering innovation while ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers globally," said Ms.
Miano.
The Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, speaking during the opening ceremony of the event highlighted the
government's collaboration with WIPO and leading government agencies in formulating a
comprehensive national IP policy and strategy to support innovation and competitiveness. "We
have a draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) which lays the groundwork
for Kenya's national IP policy and strategy for the period 2023-2027," said Dr. Mukhwana.
Hon. Josephat Kabeabea, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority,
reiterated the Authority’s commitment to supporting the government's vision of industrial
development and economic growth. “Our mission is to create an environment where innovation
thrives, driving sustainable growth and ensuring that our SMEs and innovative enterprises can
thrive in a secure and supportive environment,” said Kabeabea.
As part of efforts to tighten controls against intellectual property contraventions and provide
redress mechanisms for aggrieved parties, the forum saw the launch of the ACA Integrated
Information Management System (AIMS) for this purpose. The system allows owners or holders
of intellectual property rights to record their products with the ACA as a safeguarding measure
against potential infringements or to provide pathways for protection in case of violations.
The system also has an Enforcement and Case Management component, which allows for
anonymous reporting, investigation, inventory management and prosecution of intellectual
property infringers.
This years conference is themed "Uniting Against Counterfeiting for a Healthy and Safe Future,” aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in intellectual property (IP) protection, raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products, and highlighting the importance of safeguarding IP rights for economic growth and public safety.
