OCO Round Table

Tax Returns and Refunds in Kenya

Kenya operates a self-assessment tax system that requires both individuals and legal entities to compute, declare, and remit their taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). In this episode, #ourveryown Partner Renee Omondi and Associate Melanie Mwenda unpack everything you need to know about tax returns and refunds in Kenya. They cover tax return deadlines and penalties, the common mistakes taxpayers make when filing returns, and the process of claiming tax refunds. Tune in to stay informed and get tips to avoid costly tax errors. #Taxes #TaxesInKenya #TaxRefunds #TaxReturns #TaxFiling #TaxChallenges #OCORoundTableEpisode Outline (0:00) Introduction (01:56) Tax return defined (03:18) Filing deadlines and penalties for late filing (04:57) Common taxpayer mistakes when filing taxes   (07:20) KRA public notices and guidance notes   (07:39) Public notice on the validation of income & expenses in income tax return (09:11) Consequences of failing to file returns (10:29) Tax refund defined (11:37) Getting your tax refund (13:49) Tax refund timeliness (16:22) In the event your application for a refund is not allowed (17:08) Taxpayer right to file a tax issue with the tax ombudsman (17:38) conclusion

International Case Law & Trademarks in the Digital Age

While the internet has no physical boundaries and is globally accessible, trademarks are territorial in nature. In this episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda look at a famous international trademark case and explore trademarks in the digital age. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the concerns that arise from the use of trademarks and the internet and recommendations from the team. #Trademarks #IntellectualProperty #LegalTalks #LegalInsights #BrandIdentity #TrademarkProtection #IPLaw #OCORoundTable #TrademarksKenya #TrademarksAndTheInternet #KeywordAdvertising #Cybersquatting #DigitalImpersonation Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction (00:47) “Moron in a hurry” trademarkinfringement – Morning Star Cooperative Society vs. Express Newspapers Limited (04:30) Interplay between Trademarks and the Internet (06:25) While the Internet is Global, Trademarks are territorial (07:45) 3 concern that arise with the use of trademarks and the internet (08:00) Keyword advertising (09:42) Cybersquatting (11:15) Impersonation on social media (12:51) Recommendation to the 3 concerns (15:05) Trademarks show a business grows (15:46) Register your business as a trademark when registering its name (16:36) Trademark cases are about a ‘balance of probabilities’ (17:11) Protect your brand when starting a business (17:39) conclusion

Trademark Case Law in Kenya

In another Trademarks episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda examine Kenyan trademark case law. They unpack key rulings and share practical insights. Tune in to explore whether trademark ownership solely depends on registration or recognition as a well-known mark, and whether similar names can coexist within the same trademark class. #Trademarks #IntellectualProperty #LegalTalks #LegalInsights #BrandIdentity #TrademarkProtection #IPLaw #OCORoundTable #TrademarksKenya Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction (1:17) Weetabix vs. Multibix (5:47) Kenyan Boys Choir vs. Kenya Boys Choir (9:31) Ownership isn't dependent on Registration (11:12) Sony Corporation vs. Sony Holdings (19:17) Conclusion

Basics of Trademarks

In this episode, #ourveryown Deputy Managing Partner John Mbaluto, FCIArb, Partner Claire Mwangi, and Associates Wambui Mwariri, Blenda Nyahoro, and Melanie Mwenda dive into the world of trademarks, unpacking what a “mark” really means in simple terms: a sign that helps distinguish one business’s goods or services from another. It’s how a brand communicates, “This is my product” or “This is my service.” Through an insightful and lively conversation, they explore the key characteristics of trademarks, the different styles they come in, their value to businesses, and the importance of protecting your brand identity. Whether you're building a brand or simply curious about how trademarks work, this episode offers a clear and compelling guide to understanding what makes your business stand out. #TrademarksExplained #BrandIdentity #LegalTalks #IntellectualProperty #LegalInsights #Trademarks #TrademarkProtection #TrademarkCharacteristics #TrademarksKenya Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction (1:40) Trademarks defined (2:50) Characteristics of Trademarks (4:29) Styles of Trademarks (11:56) Trademarks Protection (13:00) Local Registration at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) (16:31) International Registration (16:55) Well-known marks (18:35) International Registration under Madrid System (19:15) Other Multiple Countries Registration Options (22:09) Benefits of Trademark Registration (24:42) Conclusion

Advancing Rights and Inclusion of PWDs in Kenya

Kenya is reshaping the future of disability rights. In this episode, #ourveryown Partners Claire Mwangi and Sandra Kavagi are joined by Associate Brian Onyango and Legal Assistant Adrian Muli to unpack the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025. The new Act takes a departure from the traditional charity-based models, embracing a rights-based framework that centres dignity, equality, and full inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Tune in for an insightful conversation on what this transformative law means for PWDs and how it is setting a new standard for empowerment and participation in Kenya. #PersonsWithDisabilitiesAct2025 #PWDAct #PWDActKenya #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll