IP Litigation and Enforcement in Mexico

We represent our clients with enforcement actions before the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) for trademarks, patents and industrial designs. We also defend our clients when their rights are challenged. Our approach is strategic - every action we recommend is designed to achieve a concrete business outcome.

What You Need to Know About IP Enforcement in Mexico

Administrative route is primary

Unlike most jurisdictions, IP enforcement in Mexico runs primarily through IMPI - an administrative authority, not a court. IMPI investigates, resolves and sanctions infringement.

Preliminary injunctions are available

IMPI can order the seizure of infringing goods, withdrawal of products from the market and suspension of the infringer's activities before the case is decided on the merits.

Damages are available

IMPI has the authority to order the infringer to pay damages.

Timelines

First-instance infringement proceedings before IMPI typically take 2 to 3 years. Appeals to the specialized IP court and amparo proceedings before the Collegiate Circuit Courts can add several years. The 2026 LFPPI reform introduces maximum resolution timelines intended to accelerate these proceedings.

AI-related infringement (2026 reform)

The reformed LFPPI expressly provides that infringement sanctions apply when the infringing conduct is carried out through the use of artificial intelligence tools. Liability is not reduced or excluded by the automated nature of the conduct.

Ambush marketing (2026 reform)

Creating a false appearance of sponsorship or association with a public or private event is now an expressly sanctioned infringement under the LFPPI.

Our Litigation and Enforcement Services

Administrative infringement actions

We file and prosecute infringement proceedings before IMPI when a third party uses our clients' trademarks, patents or industrial designs without authorization.

Preliminary injunctions

When infringement requires an immediate response, we request preliminary measures from IMPI, including withdrawal of infringing products from the market, seizure of goods and materials, and suspension of the infringer's commercial activities.

Trademark oppositions

We file oppositions against third-party trademark applications that conflict with our clients' rights.

Nullity actions

We initiate nullity proceedings to invalidate trademark, patent or design registrations that were granted in violation of the law - including registrations obtained in bad faith, through false information or in conflict with our clients' prior rights.

Cancellation for non-use

We file cancellation actions against trademark registrations that have not been used, removing blocking registrations that prevent our clients from operating or registering their own marks.

Defense in proceedings

We represent clients who are respondents in infringement, nullity or cancellation proceedings initiated by third parties.

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