DEPARTMENT OF DEEDS, COMPANIES, TRADE MARKS, PATENTS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS

Departmental Vision

To be the best service provider in the protection of proprietary rights in the region.

Departmental Mission Statement

To register, protect and facilitate easy access to information on proprietary rights in land, formal business organizations and Intellectual Property through an effective regulatory system in a manner that seeks to enhance economic growth.

Functions of the Department

Deeds Section

This section deals with all issues pertaining to land registrations and conferment of real rights over land. It was established and is governed by an Act of Parliament "The Deeds Registries Act" (Chapter 20:05). Duties and functions of the office include among other things registration of title to land, transfer of title to land, registration of mortgage bonds, leases, servitudes caveat and deeds of trust.

The section makes information relating to registration of land available as and when required by any member of the public. It also collects stamp duty in terms of the Finance Act (Chapter 23:04).

Companies Section

This section consists of four subsections, which deal with different issues as empowered by the Companies Act (Chapter 24:03) and Private Business Corporation (Chapter 24:11) namely:

•  Conduct name searches to ascertain suitability of proposed company name.

•  Examination and registration of statutory returns and

•  Examination and registration of special resolutions.

The section also deals with the dissolution of defunct companies, process application for copies of any document and also furnishes information to public concerning companies that are registered as per company requirement.

Intellectual Property

The office deals with all registration of Industrial Designs, Trade and service Marks, renewal of registered Trade Marks and Patents, Name changes, granting of letters of patents assignments, restoration and administration of copyrights and neighbouring rights including Armorial Bearing, Names, Uniforms and Badges registration although these do not constitute Intellectual Property