Director, Intellectual Property Management (Prof. Maina Wagacha)
Welcome to the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) of the University of Nairobi. As the Director of IPMO, it is my pleasure to provide you with insights into our mandate, functions, and commitment to fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property within our university community.
The Intellectual Property Management Office operates under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Division; and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the intellectual property generated by our researchers, staff, and students. Established in 2009, our mandate is two-fold:
- To protect the intellectual property rights of innovators, inventors, plant breeders, and research sponsors within the University.
- To facilitate the commercialization of inventions and creations.
The functions of IPMO include:
- Receiving disclosures for inventions and creations.
- Filing patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, copyrights, and new plant varieties with relevant government offices.
- Facilitating commercialization through innovation incubation, innovator mentorship, creating start-ups, linking inventors with industry partners for collaboration, and supporting technology licensing processes.
- Industry linkages
- Processing Material Transfer Agreements
- Advising on Intellectual Property clauses in Collaboration Agreements and Research Contracts
- Conducting sensitization and training on intellectual property protection and commercialization.
At IPMO, we are committed to transforming knowledge into tangible solutions that address societal challenges through innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you are a researcher, inventor, creative artist, or scientist across any discipline at the University of Nairobi, we invite you to engage with us to protect your intellectual assets.
Our offices are located on the 15th Floor of the University of Nairobi Towers at the Main Campus. You can also reach us via email at ipmo@uonbi.ac.ke for further information on intellectual property protection, commercialization of innovations and technology transfer.
Let us work together to ensure that the wealth of knowledge generated at the University of Nairobi leads to impactful innovations that benefit society through commercialization and entrepreneurship.
“Let the University’s wealth of knowledge, research outputs, innovation, and invention transform our societies.”
Prof. Maina Wagacha
Director
Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO), University of Nairobi
