Honoring Excellence in Intellectual Property Protection

In a grand event to commemorate World Anti-Counterfeit Day, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) hosted the 2024 Stakeholder Recognition Awards on June 6th, 2024, at the New Stanley Hotel in Nairobi. The event recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals, manufacturers, and intellectual property (IP) right owners in the fight against counterfeits.

The awards ceremony marked the culmination of the Second International Conference on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2), which took place on June 5th and 6th, 2024. The event was graced by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Industry, who honored awardees for their significant roles in combating counterfeits in Kenya.

Organizations, companies, and individuals who have made exceptional strides in promoting and protecting IP rights were celebrated during the Gala Night. Their contributions have been vital in the ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of intellectual property and safeguard consumers from counterfeit goods.

The ACA's 2024 Stakeholder Recognition Awards highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication of various stakeholders in the IP ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation in the war against counterfeits.

Award Categories and Winners

1. Outstanding Association Award for Anti-Counterfeiting
   Awardee: Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK)
   Criteria: Effective collaboration in support of IP Rights promotion in the country.
   Eligibility: Member organizations of IP owners or organizations owning patents, trademarks, or copyrights.
   About ABAK: Kenya’s umbrella body unites the leading manufacturers and distributors of alcoholic beverages for adults. ABAK supports the alcohol industry by providing training, information, and technical expertise to government agencies, consumers, value chain players, and society at large. ABAK is honored for its “Outstanding Support in Combating Counterfeiting.”
   
   
2. Distinguished IPR Agent
   Awardee: Protection Logics Ltd
   Criteria: Excellence in IP management, client service, and successful IP protection strategies.
   Eligibility: IP law firms, patent and trademark agents, and consultants.
   About Protection Logics Ltd: This private investigation firm is duly incorporated and licensed to operate in Kenya and the wider East African region. Its core areas include Brand Protection, Market Intelligence Services, Intellectual Property Rights protection, and Due Diligence & Background Checks.
   
   
3. Exemplary IP Law Firm in IP Protection
   Awardee: Spoor and Fisher
   Criteria: Effective representation in IP matters, support in enforcement actions, successful prosecution of IP infringement cases, and collaboration with other stakeholders.
   Eligibility: IP law firms and agents.
   About Spoor and Fisher: An international law firm specializing in intellectual property law. Spoor and Fisher's expertise covers all areas of IP, including patents, copyright, trademarks, commercial IP, litigation, domain names, and registered designs.
   
   
4. Outstanding Journalists in IP Reporting
   The Journalism Awards consist of three categories:
   
   a) Television Journalism: Stanley Wabomba - Business Editor, KBC Channel One
   b) Digital Media Journalism: Irene Mwangi - News Reporter, Capital FM News Online
   c) Business Journalism: Fred Aminga – Editor, People Daily
   Criteria: Quality, depth, and impact of reporting on IP issues, public awareness, and advocacy.
   Eligibility: Journalists, media houses, and bloggers specializing in IP matters.
   About the Winners: These journalists were notable for their work in raising awareness about the ISIPPE-2 and IP issues through various media channels.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Executive Director said “Stakeholder Recognition Awards underscore the critical role that associations, firms, and individuals play in the fight against counterfeiting. By honoring these contributions, the ACA aims to inspire continued excellence and collaboration in IP protection and enforcement across Kenya and beyond”.