Apply for a patent, utility model or industrial design (KIPI)
Kenya Industrial Property Institute · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Prepare your application (Form IP 3, a description, claims, drawings and an abstract), then file and pay on KIPI's online patent filing system. A patent application with a full specification costs KSh 3,000 to file.
- Fee
- KSh 3,000Patent application with a final (complete) specification, local applicantKSh 1,000Patent application with a provisional specification, local applicantKSh 5,000Request for substantive examination of a patent, local applicantKSh 1,000Utility model certificate application with a final specification, local applicantKSh 3,000Industrial design registration application, local applicant
- Where
- Online on KIPI's patent filing system (patentonline.kipi.go.ke), or at KIPI Centre, 17 Kabarsiran Avenue, off Waiyaki Way, Lavington, Nairobi
What you need
- A request on Form IP 3
- A detailed description of the invention, one or more claims, drawings (where needed) and an abstract
- All documents as PDF files for online filing
Steps
- Write up your invention: Form IP 3, a full description, the claims (what you want protected), drawings if needed and a short abstract.
- Ask for an e-filing account: email your name, email address and phone number to ict@kipi.go.ke, then use the link you get to set up your login.
- Log in at patentonline.kipi.go.ke, choose Patent or Industrial design, fill in the details and upload your documents as PDFs, then validate and submit.
- Pay from your workbench, download the receipt and send it with the payment reference to KIPI, in person or by email to patents@kipi.go.ke.
Watch out
- If you file a provisional application first, you must file the complete application within 12 months or the provisional one is treated as withdrawn.
- Apps and software are protected by copyright, which is handled by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), not KIPI.
- An industrial design registered in Kenya protects you only in Kenya. Other countries need their own applications.
Who can apply
- Any new invention in any field of technology: a device, substance, method or process.
- For a utility model certificate, the invention only needs to be new and usable in industry.
Official sources (7)
- Patents kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Utility Model kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Industrial Design kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Patent / Industrial Designs / Utility Model Fees Schedule (First Schedule) kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- How to file for a patent application using the e-filing system kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- FAQs kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- KIPI Patent Online Filing System patentonline.kipi.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026