Africa: Genericisation of trademarks

Brand protection measures are key in securing a company’s image, goodwill and reputation from counterfeiters and infringers of intellectual property. Considering that companies and individuals invest time and money to develop a brand that resonates with their operations, it is critical that such brands be protected by preventing their unauthorised use by third parties who may want to reap where they did not sow.

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Kenya: Local directorship – Not a legal requirement but a practical conundrum for people setting up companies  

There is no legal requirement for a company incorporated in Kenya to have a local resident director. The Companies Act No. 17 of 2015 (the Companies Act) requires a company to have at least one (1) director who is a natural person but does not prescribe any nationality requirements for the directors of a company. This is keeping in line with enabling ease of doing business in Kenya and attracting foreign investments in the country.

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Africa: Private Equity takeaways from the recent AVCA and SAVCA Conferences

During May 2023, members of our Bowmans’ Private Equity Practice attended the annual African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) Conference held in Cairo, Egypt, and the annual Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Conference held in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The AVCA conference delved into the challenges and success of investing in Africa. The SAVCA conference highlighted the resilience of the South African private equity landscape.

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Kenya: Key changes proposed under the Finance Bill 2023

The National Treasury has submitted the Finance Bill, 2023 (the Bill), to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment into the Finance Act. The Finance Act is a statute that brings into effect fiscal measures proposed by the government as part of the annual budget process.

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