Pattern book — Liz Notes
Notes on entertainment, fashion and intellectual property law.
69 notes
From Atelier to Market: Why Fabric Literacy, Apprenticeship, and Consumer Protection Define a Market-Ready Kenyan Designer
Lately, I have found myself thinking more critically about fabric—its quality, its feel, its truth. Not in the abstract, but in the very practical, everyday experience of buying clothes.
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Traveller Beware: Don’t Carry Your Fake Designer Bags!
The other day, while scrolling through social media, I came across a post from an international legal friend. It was an update on how U.S.
Enough with the Cosmetic Activities: Musings on Legislative Needs for the Kenyan Creative Industry.
Here we go again!!! Another legislative fluff that has the industry excited yet it has nothing much to offer! It's time we got angry as creative economy practitioners. Let's start here.
FASHION COUNTERFEITS AND COPYRIGHT: A CLEAR GIVE AWAY WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE
Online shopping gained popularity during the Covid-19 lock down in many countries and more especially in Kenya.
CHEESE!! PHOTOGRAPHY, CONSENT AND NIGHTLIFE
Through a legal lense, the so called “Legal Notices” claiming an automatic clearance of the use of peoples’ images is now a laughable practice.
Back to the Blog: While I Was Away...
All smiles with the Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome.
BAF and The Fashion Law Africa Summit announce plans to make legal advisory more accessible for those in Africa’s fashion sector.
Bias In African Fashion in conjunction with The Fashion Law Africa Summit is seeking to create a platform to provide regular access to low cost and affordable legal consultation services for the fashion sector in…
Creative Africa Nexus and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) Call for Applications for Second Edition of CANEX PRESENTS AFRICA @ PORTUGAL FASHION
PRESS RELEASE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Cairo/Porto, 17 December 2021 African Export-Import Bank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and Portugal’s National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) are putting out a call for…
WHY ARE IP-RELATED AMENDMENTS SO HAPHAZARDLY EXECUTED IN KENYA? LET’S QUASH THE WANGA BILL!
On November 15th, 2021, the National Assembly received a Copyright Amendment Bill 2021, from Hon. Gladys Wanga, Women Rep Homa Bay.
Durban Escapades: IP Musings on the inaugural CANEX Summit 2021
In 2008, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported a 13.9% growth rate of the cultural industries in Africa.
“ALAAAA!” YOU DON’T KNOW WHY TRADEMARKS EXIST?
Recently there has been an interesting Trademark registration by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli.
COMPETITIONS, ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS, AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; OPEN YOUR EYES!
Photo by Kelli Tungay on UnsplashIf you have ever attended one of my IP law trainings, I am sure you have heard me talk about sponsored competition by corporates and other commercial entities.
Tokyo Olympics 2020 and Olympics Kenya: Maximizing Marketing Opportunities at a Local Level.
National Olympics Committee - Kenya are the legal representatives of the International Olympic Committee. They are the assignees of all Olympic Games properties which must be licensed from them for any use by corporates or business entities.
Influencers and online liability
Every action has a reaction and a repercussion. Online content creators as well as influencers need to exercise major caution with every click of a camera, video and the social media upload or enter button. Why?
The Fashion Ecosystem in times of COVID-19: Global Thoughts & Experiences
In my view, this COVID-19 pandemic has changed and will change what has been perceived to be the norm in most things; especially business.
Two Horses, One Rider. The Kenyan National Anthem Woes.
In the past two days the internet has been buzzing over this video on the Kenyan vlogger's use of the Kenyan Anthem.
'Hakuna Matata' Trademark. Stop Overreacting!
It has been a while since I blogged. Perhaps it is because I have been under the impression that Kenyans understand Intellectual Property Law and the rights system that surrounds it.
STATE OF EDUCATION 2017: THE QUEST TO INNOVATE AROUND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
“Africa is the youngest content in terms of the age population and has some challenges to meet the needs of this population.” - Kofi Appenteng, President, Africa-America Institute.
UPHOLDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY. DOES DESTRUCTION OF THE PIRATED BOOKS SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
Books seized by KECOBO on the 22nd of March 2017.It is no secret that the book publishing industry in Kenya has suffered huge losses to the cartels that pirate their books.
You Snooze, You Lose: Tough Lessons for Fashionprenuers against Fashion Empires
Once upon a time, I had a conversation with a Kenyan fashion designer. I was rather curious as to whether he has ever sought legal counsel for his business. His reply was rather puzzling.
Rise & Shine Fashionprenuers: Intellectual Property Law is a Necessity to Flourish in the Fashion Business!
If I had started my new column Fashion Law 3 years ago, you would have all been wondering whether I am making my own areas of law up. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, dudes and duddettes. Fashion Law is a thing.
FROM KING TO PAUPER: THE FUTURE OF KENYAN CONTENT WITH THE PROPOSED KFCB BILL
Where do I start? To put it mildly, the proposed piece of legislation by the Kenya Film Classification Board has got to be the joke of the century!
Intellectual Property Law and Issues Emerging During UNCTAD14
I had a very interesting afternoon today. I attended the side event being hosted by HEVA Fund in partnership with UNCTAD14, HIVOS, UNDP, USAID and FORUM SYD.
DISSECTING ELANI’S VIDEO AND MUSIC BUSINESS IN KENYA: PART 1 - OF VIRTUAL AND DESKTOP WARFARE
We have all watched the video released by Elani #ElaniSpeaks a few days ago. There are a few issues I would love to blog about that came out in the video.
AFRICAN DECLARATION ON INTERNET FREEDOMS: WHY THIS IS RELEVANT TO KENYA
Have you read the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms? If you haven’t, you should. As Africans and Kenyans as a whole, we face the risk of our voices being silenced.
IF YOU DO NOT OWN IT OR CONTROL IT, YOU EXPLICITLY NEED A LICENSE: A GOLDEN LESSON KENYAN MUSICIANS NEED TO LEARN
This has been an interesting year for Kenyan music. We have had some great hits and some serious misses.
CRAFT AFRIKA TO CONVENE THE SECOND EDITION OF AFRIKA HANDMADE SYMPOSIUM AND GALLERY
Promoting sustainable creative entrepreneurship Craft Afrika is set to host the annual Afrika Handmade Symposium and Gallery. The two week event launches on 30 September with special guest Hon.
THE POTENTIAL OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
As the media is re-visiting the issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), I was humbled to be interviewed on CCTV Global Business.
SOCIAL MEDIA: THE MONEY-SPINNER GIFT HORSE FOR THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
I recently attended a session hosted by Google-Kenya which was targeting local artists. I was very lucky to attend because we all know how elusive and exclusive Google seminars are.
Vote for lizlenjo.com - Best Topical Blog Category BAKE Awards
Today marks the last day of voting. The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) will be holding it's 4th Kenyan Bloggers Awards popularly known as BAKE Awards on the 2nd May 2015 at Nairobi's Intercontinental Hotel.
World Intellectual Property Day in Mombasa; My Take Home
Yesterday the 26th of April 2015 we marked the 15th World Intellectual Property Day all over the world. Two celebrations were held in Kenya; one in Nairobi and Mombasa on the 25th of April.
YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND (YEDF): MAKING FUNDING INITIATIVES WORK FOR THE YOUTH
Bruce Odhiambo and I at the YEDF office.I recently had the pleasure of meeting and catching up with the Chairman of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) Bruce Odhiambo at his office at the National Bank House,…
Why Business and the Creative Industries Must Mix
We all know what has been trending on social media and in the news this week; the state of Mzee Ojwang’ as he is popularly referred to. It is unfortunate of the trials he is currently going through and I do sympathize.
Intellectual Property Policies: A Learning Institution’s Must Have; A Parent’s Guide.
When I was growing up, children were mostly notorious for being notorious. Our past times were mostly spent playing out-door games and climbing avocado trees in our neigbours’ yards.
THE STRANGE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FASHION & IMITATION: A COMMENTARY ON FASHION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
There is an English saying, “Imitation is the best form of flattery.” When I think about this saying I find myself contemplating on the state of African and Kenyan Fashion and the strides we are making in the…
DIGITAL MIGRATION: THE MISUNDERSTOOD CASH COW
I have to confess that I am pretty tickled and amused by the bulldozer tactics being adopted by our private broadcasters who for the longest time have been referred to as the “Big 3” in Kenya’s media industry.
PASSING OPPORTUNITIES: THE RIDDLE OF UNUNIFIED FILM ASSOCIATIONS
In late 2013 a task force was commissioned by His Excellency to look into various government agencies and make recommendations that are meant to improve efficiency in their various sectors.
The Role of Competitions in the Creative Industries
An ongoing writing competition Hadithi Za Gibebe.One of the toughest things faced by a creative is to get discovered. With regards to creative industries, in my view, talent is only half of the equation.
ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS IN AFRICA: AWARDING AFRICAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN THE ARTS.
Kingsley James, AFRIMA with the blogger Liz Lenjo during an interview session.As Africa continues to appreciate and realize the value of intellectual property in the creative industries, it is rather obvious that we are…
Discovering the Existence of an Oscars Committee in Kenya
I recently attended a workshop on the Audio-Visual industry hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).
World Intellectual Property Day Celebrations 2014
Come celebrate with us the World Intellectual Property Day 2014. This year's theme is rather timely. Movies- A Global Passion.
TOP 5 AILMENTS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY: PART 5: HOBBY-ISM
And the award for WORST ailment in the creative industry goes to...Hobby-ism! I just made up a word!
Lupita's Oscar Win: A Reflection on Systems or Lack of it in Kenya's Creative Industry.
It is amazing what can happen when one believes in their talents and the capabilities. It is what we have seen as the case with some of the world’s greatest millionaires and big names in the world’s economy.
Liz Lenjo's Law Blog Nominated for BAKE Awards: Best Topical Blog. Vote For Liz Lenjo's Law
I would like to thank my readers for contributing to the success of this blog. My main goal has been and remains to engage stake holders in all facets of the entertainment, arts and innovations industries and to educate…
KAMP-PRISK COURT VICTORY: A QUASHED ATTEMPT AT ESCAPING TO RECOGNIZE PRODUCERS’ AND PERFORMERS’ RIGHTS.
Last year, a local hotel Nairobi Pacific moved the courts praying that the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) and Performers Rights Society of Kenya (PRISK) be restrained from entering their premises and…
ROBBING COMPETITIONS: AN OUTCRY ON BEHALF OF KENYAN POETS
Recently, the Nation newspaper put out an outrageous advertisement calling poets to send in their love inspired poetry to be featured on the 14th February 2014 and get this, they pay Kshs.
TOP 5 AILMENTS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY:PART 4: IGNORANCE
Whenever one remarks that ‘People perish for lack of knowledge’ most of us scoff at them. Perhaps because we are unaware of what this truly means.
FILM CENSORSHIP AND BANS: THE ROLE OF KENYA FILM CLASSIFICATION BOARD
The internet and social media is buzzing with comments on the recent ban of the American film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ by the Kenya Film Classification Board.
Dream Girls: A Peek into Realities of the Music Business
The holidays are over and we are back to the rat race. This past holiday, I cuddled up on my couch and enjoyed a medley of movies. I enjoyed myself by watching the latest movies as well as previous hit movies.
Brand Enforcement: The Task of the Anti-Counterfeit Agency
Last week, I attended the Kenya Copyright Board Open Day and I had the opportunity to interact with an official from the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA).
Walking the Talk: The Quest for an Artists' Association
This morning I turned on my television and I landed on a show discussing the role of musicians. Unfortunately, nothing that was said was new or news; it was the usual repeated talk that is yet to be actioned.
Global Positioning: A Negotiating Factor in Entertainment.
Global Positioning equals more valueAt about 8 p.m this evening as I was perusing facebook, I came across this link from pressplay.com, a local entertainment website.
300 Million Released for the Local Music Industry
Finally, some good news for the creatives in the music and film sector. Through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, the Government has released 300 Million for those in the music industry to borrow and invest in…
DJs Selling Mix-tapes: A Possible Legitimate Venture?
Selling mix-tapes: a possible legitimate venture?One of my readers asked me a very important question...Can DJs legitimately sell mix-tapes?
TOP 5 AILMENTS IN THE CREATIVE REALM: PART 3: GREED & MALICE
These ailments, greed and malice are no stranger to us; be it in business or generally in life.
A Celebration Stuck in the Midst of Tragedy: We must do Something for our Nation.
Just when I thought I was ready to share the awesome news about my acceptance to WIPO Summer School South Africa, tragedy struck my country. My celebration has turned into deep sorrow.
A Quest to Enhance Kenya’s Capacity use of the IP System
As a young professional in the Intellectual Property Law world, I am constantly reading and seeking knowledge on how to domesticate IP Systems from all over the world to enlighten my fellow citizens as well assist them…
Top 5 Ailments in the Creative Realm. Part 2: The Gentleman’s Agreement
When a client comes to me and explains that the reason they have a dispute is because of this so called ‘ Gentleman’s Agreement’ , I shudder.
Beauty Patents
Hair and Beauty InnovationsOn Wednesday 11th of September 2013, I had the pleasure to attend a launch hosted by L'Oreal East Africa. The invite had the words ‘Amla Legend’.
Top 5 Ailments in the Creative Realm. Part 1: Politics of Collaborations and Partnerships
This past weekend, we had two fashion events taking place. The Kenya Fashion Week and The Nairobi Fashion Week. Both events were organised by two separate entities/ individuals.
Lessons from Nigeria
A couple of months back I had the honor to meet Jim Iyke, one of Nollywood’s most sought after and successful actors. He has done over 150 Nigerian movies and has come to be known as Naija’s Bad Boy.
After Sliced Bread: Next ingenious invention please...
I have had the privilege to sit and chat with a few Kenyan tech-preneurs, I like to call them technovators, and it came to my attention that they are madly in love with patenting.
Collecting Royalties from the Decks
Last year around November 13th, there was a fire that was lit on twitter, a fiery discourse between disk jockeys whom we popularly know as DJs and MCSK.
Efficient Nanny Services a mirage in our times...
This past week has been a rollercoaster on the domestic front. I had a nanny who almost torched my house down in the name of carelessness.
Branding suicide
Are you familiar with the Sprite Ad? “Image is nothing, thirst is everything.” Well I beg to differ. Image is everything, especially for a ‘celebrity’.
Let’s Challenge the Conventional
Watch the video on YouTube ↗ “I am convinced Kenya is full of idiots, starting with Sonko’s interviewer, after the much hyped Sonko interview i had to watch it.
For the Fame...Think Again!
During my brief stint working at the Music Copyright Society of Kenya in the licensing department, I got a glimpse on why it is a tad bit difficult to get some of the major music consumers i.e broadcasters to pay…
Realising the Value in Entertainment
Since time immemorial entertainment based careers have hardly been appreciated especially in Africa. Even today, in the 21st Century, the value is still yet to be realised.
Music & IP Law
Watch the video on YouTube ↗