By Clarrise Mideva
Access to finance remains a major challenge for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators, particularly those without traditional collateral such as land, buildings or machinery. This article explores how intellectual property (IP), including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs and trade secrets, can help businesses demonstrate their value and improve their prospects of securing finance.
Drawing on Kenya’s legal framework, the article explains how IP can support secured financing, attract investors, strengthen competitive advantage and create commercial opportunities through licensing, royalties and product development. It also highlights the importance of protecting IP early, establishing clear ownership, assessing its commercial value and integrating it into business and investment strategies.
The article provides practical guidance for Kenyan MSMEs and innovators seeking to turn their intellectual assets into business opportunities, build investor confidence and support business growth and scalability.
Read the full article to learn how to protect, manage and commercialise your intellectual property to strengthen your business’s investment potential by clicking the button below.
