Mexico’s new Regulations under the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property took effect on 22 July 2026, replacing the framework in place since 1994. The rules refine electronic filing, notifications, evidence and administrative enforcement, and introduce a dedicated framework for online infringement proceedings. That online route is not yet fully operational, however: IMPI must still issue the implementing agreement, which the transitional provisions require within 18 months. Together with the statutory amendments that entered into force in April, the reform also sets maximum processing periods for certain cases, including up to five months for trademark applications without office actions or oppositions and up to one year from the start of substantive examination for patents, utility models and industrial designs.
At the international level, the PCT Assembly has approved IMPI as an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority. Once operational, IMPI is expected to become the 26th PCT international authority, broadening search and preliminary examination options for applicants in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking market. Operations are expected to begin in 2027, but the precise date still depends on formal notification by IMPI and recognition by the relevant receiving Offices. For rights holders and applicants, the immediate priority is practical: review response calendars, preserve digital evidence more systematically and reassess future PCT search strategies, while avoiding the assumption that the online infringement system is already available or that a January 2027 launch date is fixed.
