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Mexico

MX

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Mexico.

Authority

IMPI — Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Member

Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Mexico

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Mexico

Mexican patents are administered by IMPI (Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial), with a 20-year term from filing. Mexico is a PCT member with a 30-month national phase deadline; applications must be in Spanish. Mexico joined the Madrid Protocol in 2013; Madrid designations of Mexico are accepted. Mexico is not an EU member and is not an EPO contracting state.

PCT National Phase Entry — Mexico
- Deadline: **30 months** from the priority date - Application must be in **Spanish** (or a certified Spanish translation must be submitted) - National phase entry fees apply - A Mexico-registered industrial property agent must be appointed

Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — MX; Mexico Industrial Property Law

Examination Process and Timeline
Mexican patents require substantive examination (an examination request must be filed). IMPI accepts PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) requests for accelerated examination. Overall prosecution time is typically **3–7 years**.

Source: Mexico Industrial Property Law; IMPI examination guidelines

Madrid System (Joined 2013)
Mexico joined the Madrid Protocol in February 2013. International trademark applications can designate Mexico. IMPI examines under Mexican national trademark law (same requirements as direct applications). Spanish language applies.

Source: WIPO Madrid — MX; Mexico Industrial Property Law

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Mexico

Mexican trademarks are administered by IMPI under a first-to-file system. Registrations are valid for 10 years from the registration date, renewable indefinitely. Mexico joined the Madrid Protocol in 2013; Madrid designations are accepted.

Trademark Examination Process
IMPI trademark examination: formal review → substantive examination (absolute and relative grounds) → publication (1 month) → registration. Typical timeline: ~12–24 months (without opposition).

Source: Mexico Industrial Property Law; IMPI guidelines

Term and Renewal
Mexican trademark registrations: 10 years from registration; renewable every 10 years. File before expiry.

Source: Mexico Industrial Property Law

Non-Use Cancellation (3 Years)
A Mexican trademark unused in Mexico for 3 consecutive years may be cancelled. The registrant must provide proof of genuine use.

Source: Mexico Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property Art. 313

Patent Annuity

Mexico Patent Annuities

Mexican patents require periodic maintenance fees after grant until expiry (20 years). Late payments incur a surcharge.

Source: Mexico Industrial Property Law; IMPI fee schedule

Trademark Renewal

Mexico Trademark Renewals

Mexican trademark: 10 years from registration; 10-year renewals. File before expiry.

Source: Mexico Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property

FAQ

Common Questions — Mexico IP

What is the PCT national phase deadline for Mexico?
30 months from the priority date. The application must be in Spanish (or a certified Spanish translation submitted). A Mexico-registered industrial property agent must be appointed.
Has Mexico joined the Madrid System?
Yes, Mexico joined the Madrid Protocol in February 2013. International trademark applications can designate Mexico.
Does Mexico have trademark non-use cancellation?
Yes. A Mexican trademark unused for 3 consecutive years in Mexico can be cancelled by any party. Use evidence (invoices, advertising, etc.) must be maintained and provided if challenged.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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