Protect your brand, your product, and your ideas from day one.
1. Before Launch
- Have you identified all your IP assets? (Name, logo, product, software, website, content)
- Have you searched for similar trademarks or names in Kenya and globally?
- Do you own the rights to everything you’re using (logo, code, design, name)?
- Are NDAs in place with anyone you’re sharing confidential ideas with (investors, developers, suppliers)?
- If you’re using contractors or freelancers, do you have a signed IP assignment clause?
2. Protecting Your Assets
- Have you filed for trademark registration in Kenya (and other markets if needed)?
- If your software or product includes original code, designs, or content, have you protected it via copyright or trade secrets?
- Is your IP held in the right entity (especially if you’re preparing for investment)?
- Have you developed an internal policy for employees on IP ownership, confidentiality, and non-compete?
3. Commercialising Your IP
- Are your software or content licenses clear and legally enforceable?
- Are your terms of use protecting your ownership rights?
- If you’re partnering, co-creating, or white-labelling , do you have licensing or co-development agreements in place?
- Do you have a royalty, revenue-sharing, or franchising plan documented?
4. When You’re Growing
- Are your IP assets included in your investor data room and due diligence pack?
- Have you conducted an IP audit ahead of fundraising, scaling, or M&A?
- Are your IP rights secured in all jurisdictions where you operate or plan to expand?
- Do you monitor your IP online (e.g. infringers, impersonators, or similar brands)?
5. Emerging Risks
- Are you using or building AI tools that generate content, predictions, or visuals? Who owns that IP?
- Are you using open-source code? Are the licenses compatible with commercial use?
- Have you secured your proprietary data, models, or algorithms?
