Kenyans could soon patent local products

Local producers will, for the first time, be able to acquire patents for commodities that are unique to their geographical areas once a Bill at the Attorney-General’s office is enacted.

The Geographical Indications Bill, currently at drafting level, is expected to increase the visibility and market presence of products locally and internationally.

Prof James Otieno-Odek, Kenya Industrial Property Institute managing director, said the Bill will enable these areas to be profiled, providing market entry points for products, besides creating employment in rural areas.

“We have a draft Bill and have consulted the stakeholders. Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage, and what is now remaining is the parliamentary calender,” he said.

Prof Otieno-Odek said that every part of the country has unique products, which remain untapped due to lack of awareness about their potential or relevant infrastructure.

“There is an assumption (by some people) that some areas produce nothing. We want to change this perspective,” he said.

Among bodies that have indicated an interest in having patents for their products include the Coffee Board of Kenya, which expects to profile coffee grown in the country according to areas of origin, to attract better prices at the international market.

The Tea Board of Kenya is also expected to patent the different types of tea according to their geographical regions. Kisii soapstone, grape juice from Yatta and cashew nuts from the coast are also potential patent chasers.

“We want to give a legal framework that will enable producers get recognition and protection. They will get a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate,” he said.

According to Wikipedia, Geographical Indications is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to specific geographical locations or origin, like a town, region or country. The product possess certain qualities or enjoys a reputation of the geographical origin.

It allows products to obtain market recognition and often attract premium prices. The GI prevents unscrupulous traders from false trade descriptions of passing off a product as if its was the original.