Updated 8 November 2026
Trademark registration in Kenya is done at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). You search the register, file an application on Form TM2, pay an advertisement fee, wait 60 days for any opposition and then pay a registration fee. KIPI’s published fee schedule for local applicants sets the application at KSh 4,000 for the first class of goods or services, advertisement at KSh 3,000 and registration at KSh 2,000, plus a search. Fees rise with each extra class you cover.
Checked on 8 November 2026 against KIPI’s trade mark fee schedule (local and foreign), the KIPI trade marks page and KIPI’s FAQs.
Contents: What it protects · Fees · Search fee conflict · Steps · Classes · After registration · FAQ
What trademark registration protects
A registered trade mark gives you legal rights over a brand name, logo, slogan or signature used on specific goods or services. It is separate from registering a business name or company: a business name registration lets you trade under that name, while trademark registration protects the brand against others using it or something confusingly similar in the same class. Creative work such as music or writing is protected differently, through copyright; see our KECOBO copyright registration guide.
KIPI says an individual, a company, a partnership, a society, a co-operative or any lawful association can apply, provided it meets the Trade Marks Act. Foreign applicants apply through a local agent.
Trademark registration fees in Kenya (local applicants)
| Step | Form | First class (KSh) | Each extra class (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search | TM 27 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Preliminary advice from the Registrar | TM 27 | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| Application | TM 2 | 4,000 | 3,000 |
| Advertisement | – | 3,000 | 2,500 |
| Registration | – | 2,000 | 1,500 |
| Opposition notice (by a third party) | TM 6 | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Renewal | TM 10 | 4,000 | 3,000 |
| Restoration after removal | – | 5,000 | – |
For a single class, search plus application, advertisement and registration comes to KSh 11,000 on the schedule. Foreign fees are charged in US dollars and apply where the person paying neither resides in Kenya nor has a principal place of business here; the foreign application fee, for example, is US$200 for the first class.
A dated note on KIPI’s conflicting search fee
KIPI’s own sources do not agree on the search fee. As checked on 8 November 2026, the fee schedule lists a search under rule 114 at KSh 2,000 for the first class, and a separate “preliminary advice of the Registrar” at KSh 3,000, both on Form TM 27. KIPI’s FAQ page, however, says a search costs KSh 3,000 and puts the total at KSh 12,000. We have not found a KIPI statement explaining the difference. Budget for the higher figure and confirm the amount on the payment instruction KIPI sends you.
Trademark registration steps
- Search. File Form TM 27 to check whether your mark, or something close to it, is already registered.
- Apply. File Form TM 2 with your logo or artwork pasted or attached. KIPI’s FAQ says forms can be scanned and emailed to trademark@kipi.go.ke.
- Pay when instructed. KIPI’s FAQ says you pay only after KIPI receives your forms and tells you to pay.
- Advertisement. Pay the advertisement fee so the mark is published.
- Wait 60 days. Anyone who objects can file an opposition on Form TM 6 within this window.
- Registration. If there is no objection after 60 days, pay the registration fee.
Because fees are paid in stages, keep every receipt and payment instruction together; they are your record if the application stalls.
Classes: why trademark registration costs differ
Goods and services are grouped into classes, and every fee in the table is charged per class. A bakery selling bread and also running a café may need two classes, which adds KSh 3,000 to the application, KSh 2,500 to advertisement, KSh 1,500 to registration and KSh 1,000 to the search. List exactly what you sell now and plan to sell soon, then pick only the classes you need.
After trademark registration
- Renewal: KSh 4,000 for the first class and KSh 3,000 for each extra class on Form TM 10.
- Late renewal: an extra KSh 3,000 if renewed within thirty days after KIPI advertises non-renewal.
- Restoration: KSh 5,000 to restore a mark removed from the register.
- Selling or transferring the mark: recording an assignment costs KSh 3,000 for the first class.
- Adding goods or services: KSh 3,000 per class on Form TM 55.
If you are restructuring the business, for example converting to an LLP (see our LLP conversion guide), record the change of owner so the registered proprietor matches the business that uses the mark.
Trademark registration FAQ
How much is trademark registration in Kenya?
For one class on KIPI’s fee schedule: KSh 2,000 search, KSh 4,000 application, KSh 3,000 advertisement and KSh 2,000 registration, or KSh 11,000. KIPI’s FAQ quotes KSh 12,000.
Where do I apply for trademark registration?
At the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), using Form TM 2.
How long is the opposition period?
60 days after advertisement, according to KIPI’s FAQ.
Can a foreigner apply for trademark registration in Kenya?
Yes, through a local agent, paying the foreign fees in US dollars.
Is trademark registration the same as business name registration?
No. A business name lets you trade under a name; a trade mark protects a brand for specific goods or services.
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