This report has provided the status of intellectual property systems of the EAC Partner States, as a basis for formulating policy and legal reforms necessary to address different forms of illicit trade regionally. It is sufficient to say that Intellectual Property Rights relate closely with trade, competition, industrial and economic improvement. Counterfeiting and piracy is the most prevalent form of illicit trade currently. This thus has become a global challenge. The global business community is adversely affected by counterfeiting and piracy in all aspects ranging from products to services, resulting to serious negative impact on investment in research and development, skewed market access and loss of income. This challenge has elevated intellectual property debate globally, it being a power tool for rationalisation of acts that are contrary to honest practices in industrial or commercial matters. EAC Partner States are no exception to this situation.

An effective intellectual property regime for the EAC Partner States has come of age judging from the dynamics of current global economy, which are virtual and largely driven by ideas and information as commodities. The regime contributes to, among other things, existence of a pro-competitive and transparent market in an economic system where the consumer is protected and businesses are facilitated to enter the market freely and compete fairly. Its establishment requires intellectual property laws complemented by appropriate collateral policies and institutions necessary for ensuring adequate protection and effective enforcement of intellectual property rights within the region.

Download Intellectual Property Rights Regine Within the East African Community Report (PDF, 7MB)