The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has issued fresh guidance to businesswoman Shiquo Hii Style following the recent enforcement operation at her Nairobi Central Business District shop.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on Thursday, June 11, the Authority clarified that its actions were aimed at removing counterfeit goods from the market and not targeting legitimate businesses.

The agency noted Shiquo’s public remarks expressing her ambition to establish her own fashion brand, with ACA welcoming the move, expressing its support for entrepreneurs who create original products and build their own brands.

According to the Authority, traders can avoid future enforcement actions by ensuring that the products they sell do not infringe on existing intellectual property rights.

📌 What You Need to Know

“ACA has taken note of Shiquo's public sentiment expressing her desire to establish and grow her own distinctive brand,” the Authority said.

“The Authority welcomes this entrepreneurial vision and encourages her, and all traders and entrepreneurs, to pursue it within Kenya's intellectual property protection framework.”

The Authority explained that Kenya’s intellectual property system is designed to protect innovators , designers, creators, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs who invest time and resources in building genuine brands.

ACA further advised that business owners who develop unique brand names, logos, and designs should take steps to protect them through the country's intellectual property registration systems.

The agency highlighted the role of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), which assists rights holders in registering trademarks and safeguarding their intellectual property from infringement.

By registering trademarks and other intellectual property rights, entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses while reducing the risk of disputes over branding and product ownership.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke