Intellectual Property
Welcome to our Intellectual Property Law practice where we provide expert guidance to both local and international clients on a wide range of intellectual property matters. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive services encompassing the registration and protection of trademarks, service marks, copyrights, and patents. Additionally, we specialize in representing clients in opposition proceedings before the Intellectual Property Registry and Courts of Law.
In today's dynamic digital landscape, characterized by rapid technological advancements, the importance of intellectual property protection has never been more critical. The emergence of the digital economy has ushered in new challenges, making it essential for businesses to safeguard their intellectual assets effectively.
At Kampala Associated Advocates, our experienced trademark lawyers are at the forefront of this evolving landscape, assisting clients in safeguarding their trademarks and reputations online. We provide strategic counsel to mitigate risks associated with cyber threats, domain squatters, and domain name theft, ensuring that our clients' online presence remains secure.
Our approach combines innovative digital strategies with traditional enforcement methods to deliver tangible results for our clients. By leveraging our expertise in trademark and copyright enforcement, we provide tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each client.
Whether you are a Startup seeking to protect your brand identity or an established corporation navigating complex intellectual property issues, our team is here to support you every step of the way. With a deep understanding of Ugandan Intellectual Property Laws and Regulations, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals while safeguarding your valuable intellectual assets.
Contact us today to learn more about how our Intellectual Property Law practice can empower your business and protect your intellectual property rights in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Milestones
- We recovered a domain name from fraudsters, on behalf of Speke Hotel (1996) Ltd, who had registered a misleading domain name and we pursued the Complaint with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center (the Center) pursuant to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the Policy) approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
- We successfully defended against a claim for trademark infringement in which Kyaninga Royal Cottages (“our Client”) had been sued for using a name alleged to be similar to that of Kyaninga Lodge. It was our argument that the name/mark was a geographical indicator that could not be exclusively owned by the Claimant.
- We are currently opposing the registration of the mark KILIMO CALL CENTER due to its similarity with our Client’s mark “KILIMO TRUST”.
- We have represented Hewlett Packard at the Court of Appeal in an appeal lodged by China New Future Company against the judgment of the High Court of Uganda in Kampala, in Civil Suit No.97 of 2013 in which China New Future was found to have infringed on Hewlett Packard’s registered trademarks and an injunction had been issued against the infringing company on top of an order for the seizure and delivery up of the counterfeit goods for destruction.
- We successfully represented Orion Holdings (a Korean company) in the High Court of Uganda and successfully obtained an Order of Court to cancel an infringing trademark that had been registered by a different Chinese Company in Uganda.
- We routinely register various local and International trademarks at the Trademark Registry in Uganda on behalf of a number of companies.
- We provide ongoing support for trademark renewals and maintenance to ensure that our clients’ trademark rights remain valid and enforceable.
- We have also registered and renewed various foreign marks at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on behalf of a number of foreign companies.
Articles on Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property related FAQs
“Trademark” means, a sign or mark or combination of signs or marks capable of being represented graphically and capable of distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from those of another undertaking. Usually, this is the name of the business or the brand of the goods and/or services delivered by a business.
A patent is the title granted to protect an invention. It is granted to the inventor.
Copyright refers to protection granted to authors, artists and other creators for their literary and artistic creations, generally referred to as “works”. These include novels, poems, plays, newspapers, adverts, films, musical compositions, paintings, drawings, sculptures and more.
A patent owner has the right to exclude others from exploiting the protected invention. The patent owner holds the patent for 20 years and any other person using the invention must be licensed or permitted by the patent holder. The holder of a patent can institute a claim in court against any person who unlawfully uses or exploits the patented invention or innovation.
The registered proprietor of a trademark has the right to exclude any other person from using a name, word or mark similar to the registered trademark while referring to other goods and services. The trademark owner can institute a claim in court against any person who infringes this right of exclusivity.
