| dc.description.abstract | Innovation is a key driving force for economic development and
competitiveness in the 21st century. Patents provide incentives for
innovation, knowledge creation and transfer. The patent system has
long been used as a policy instrument to spur economic growth and
competitiveness. In Vision 2030, Kenya aspires to become globally
competitive and a knowledge led economy. The patent system is
therefore an important policy tool that can be harnessed for wealth
creation, poverty reduction and job creation. This is because increased
innovativeness will boost productivity in all sectors of the economy.
This study is a background paper on patenting in Kenya that seeks
to explore patenting, while isolating challenges that are faced by
inventors in patenting their inventions. A survey was carried out
on patent applicants to the national office KIPI for the period 1998-
2008, in addition to literature review of relevant documents and
legislation. Study findings indicate the level of patenting in Kenya is
low, while that for grant rate is very low. IP knowledge, especially
on patenting, was also found to be very low. Patent applicants from
universities were extremely low contrary to expectations. Despite the
low patenting levels, 80 per cent of respondents reported they had
innovations that were not protected. Only 20 per cent of respondents
had commercialized their patents. Outstanding challenges/obstacles
to patenting are long and tedious patenting process, difficult patent
drafting, limited IP knowledge, lack of IP professionals, limited R&D
funds and a weak IPR regime... | en |
