Our expertise includes copyright, media and entertainment portfolio management: Copyright protection, copyright licensing and assignment and copyright litigation.

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Copyright is the exclusive and assignable legal right given to the originator of literary works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph works, sound recording and broadcasts for the duration of their lifetime and a fixed number of years thereafter; to print, publish, perform, film or record literary, artistic or musical material.

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COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION

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Copyright registration  is a mandate of the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), a state corporation under the Office of the Attorney general and the department of Justice. 

 

In order for the work to be registered, the work must be of original authorship and in tangible format (including digital format).

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Filing formalities

1. A duly filled application form, commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths.

2. Two copies of the work.

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Validity of copyright last in Kenya

1.           Literary, musical or artistic works other than photographs: 70 years after the end of the year in which the              author dies. In the case of government or a body corporate, 70 years after the end of the year in which the            work was first published.

2.           Cinematograph films and photographs: 50 years after the end of the year in which the work was first                    published.

3.           Sound recordings: 50 years after the end of the year in which the recording was first made.

4.           Broadcasts: 50 years after the end of the year in which the broadcasting first took place.

 

INTERNATIONAL / REGIONAL CONVENTIONS​

In terms of Copyright, Kenya is a member/party to the following conventions and treaties

1.           Berne Convention

2.           Rome Convention

3.           WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty

4.           Universal Copyright Commission

5.           WIPO Copyright Treaty