According to an Adams & Adams update published on 16 July 2026, Kenya’s High Court has set aside a directive issued by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on 30 September 2025. The directive required the registration, renewal and cancellation of trademarks, patents, utility models and industrial designs to receive prior approval from the KIPI Board. In Law Society of Kenya v. Principal Secretary, the Court found that the Principal Secretary had exceeded the limits of the office by reallocating powers already assigned by statute, restoring the authority of the Registrar of Trade Marks and KIPI management.
The ruling should shorten an approval chain that had introduced delay and uncertainty into routine IP administration. It also draws a useful line between board oversight and statutory decision-making. Applicants and rights holders should nevertheless watch how KIPI handles matters already affected by the directive, particularly any backlog, reconsideration requests or transitional measures.
