Review of Patents, Utility Models and Research for Green Construction Materials in Kenya

Abstract

There is need for the construction industry to adopt green approaches, to counter increase in demand, while promoting sustainability. Intellectual property rights (IPR) provide temporal territorial exclusivity- with some limitation. Hence, innovators and researchers in green construction materials (GCM) could take advantage of IPR in GCM, to promote research, attract research and development (R&D) funds and benefit commercially. The study can aid in promotion of IPR economic benefits in GCM, through status quo and challenges review. This review study was based on 182 Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) accessible journals between 2003 and 2021, on patents or utility models applications/grants perceived as GCM. There was a low level for GCM patents and utility models application/grants in Kenya. Only 10 results, in Kenya accessible industrial/intellectual property (IP) journals. This was possibly due to challenges, as reviewed herein. The study also identified some other GCM researches, for Kenya, but no reflection to advance to patent or utility models application. This study recommends for further research to determine reasons impending GCM researchers from applying for IP protection, addressing bottlenecks and promoting education and awareness on IPR. Efforts should be geared towardsenhancement of patent protection and valuation, so as to attraction of funds in GCM research and innovation and increase economic benefit that comes with the right monopoly, licensing or intangible assets sales.