Department profile
Bowmans

Intellectual Property

Global Guide 2026 : Kenya

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Bowmans

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About

Provided by Bowmans

East Africa remains an investment destination of choice for investors seeking to expand their operations into Africa.

The entry of multiple brands into the region has made the ability to register and protect the rights that investors and clients obtain in their products, services and brands an essential success component in the business environment.

Working as one team coordinated across three jurisdictional offices, our unparalleled dedicated East Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Practice handles:

  • IP litigation focussing on trade marks, patents, designs and copyright infringements;
  • multi-jurisdictional anti-counterfeits actions/ raids;
  • trade mark oppositions and expungement matters in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda;
  • designs and patent revocations;
  • brand migration advice;
  • IP due diligence;
  • franchising; and
  • competition and IP opinions.

We act for clients both locally and internationally under the Madrid and ARIPO systems of registration, and help our clients with national protection in other countries worldwide through a network of associate agent law firms.

Our clients include leading multinationals from around the world within the financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and technology, media and telecommunications sectors.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - Kenya

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bowmans houses a market-leading intellectual property group with an enviable roster of global clients, including e-commerce companies, banks and consumer goods corporations. The firm is highly adept in the handling of regional mandates, notably advising on trade mark registration and infringements, counterfeiting and general portfolio management. The team is also recognised for its excellent IP coverage in East Africa, maintaining a number of strong relationships with other African law firms. Its lawyers possess top-drawer expertise in IP litigation, including opposition proceedings.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans represented Diageo in bringing a High Court trade mark infringement and passing-off claim against London Distillers (Kenya).

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They excel in providing specialised trade mark and registration services, offering expert guidance, comprehensive solutions, and ensuring businesses secure their intellectual property efficiently.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • They are proactive and offer client-centric services. They excel in IP litigation and are knowledgeable about enforcement.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • They combine technical expertise with a strategic understanding of the commercial and regulatory landscape, enabling them to navigate multi-jurisdictional issues and high-stakes matters with clarity.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • Bowmans delivers exceptional service, with timely responses and a clear dedication to meeting client needs effectively and professionally.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

  • Their client-focused and personalised approach ensures that clients receive the legal expertise they need, as well as the support necessary to protect their interests and make informed decisions.

    Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Syekei
    John Syekei

    John Syekei

    John Syekei is one of the field's pre-eminent practitioners, offering clients the full gamut of contentious and advisory IP counsel. He is well versed in acting on infringement and enforcement disputes, as well as anti-counterfeiting mandates.

    • John is a seasoned IP practitioner who gives you good value for money and is responsive to client needs.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

    • John consistently delivers exceptional client service, marked by responsiveness, clarity and a deep understanding of our needs.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal

    • John provides excellent advice in a timely manner. He has a very good understanding of our work.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
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  • David Opijah
    David Opijah

    David Opijah

    Head of the trade marks practice David Opijah stands out for his impressive client roster, which includes a range of well-known consumer products brands, pharmaceutical companies and financial institutions. He has significant experience in multi-jurisdictional matters.

    • David provides very good advice in a timely manner. He has a good understanding of our work and how we operate.

      Intellectual Property respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Bowmans (2)

Kenya

Members

Provided by Bowmans

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