Patents and Utility Models in Mexico

We handle patent and utility model prosecution in Mexico, from patentability opinions, Freedom to Operate (FTO), and handling and prosecuting applications through PCT national phase entry or direct filing. Our team combines intellectual property expertise with a deep understanding of technology-driven industries, particularly software, AI and hardware.

What You Need to Know About Patents in Mexico

Patent term

20 years from the filing date or priority date. Term adjustments are available to compensate for unreasonable delays attributable to IMPI.

Utility model term

15 years from the filing date or priority date. Utility models require novelty and industrial applicability but not an inventive step, making them a faster and more accessible option for incremental innovations.

PCT national phase deadline

30 months from the priority date. No late entry is permitted.

Examination

Substantive examination is initiated automatically - no request or additional fee required. The 2026 LFPPI reform reduces the maximum examination period to one year from the start of the substantive examination.

PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway)

If you have allowed claims at the USPTO or another participating office, you can request accelerated examination at IMPI. This significantly reduces prosecution timelines.

Small entity discount

IMPI offers a 50% reduction on official fees for small entities, universities and independent inventors.

Our Patent Services

Patentability opinions and Freedom to Operate (FTO)

We conduct prior art searches across international databases and provide a written opinion analyzing novelty, inventive step, industrial applicability and subject-matter eligibility under Mexican law.

Direct filing and PCT national phase entry

We prepare and translate technical specifications, claims and drawings, and file applications before IMPI. For foreign-origin applications, we handle translation, formal requirements and any adaptation needed for the Mexican examination process. We manage national phase entry for PCT applications, including translation, formal filing, priority document management (including WIPO DAS) and prosecution through examination and grant.

PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway)

For applications with allowed claims at the USPTO or other participating offices, we prepare and file PPH requests to obtain accelerated examination at IMPI.

Office action responses

We prepare and file responses to IMPI office actions, including novelty objections, subject-matter eligibility rejections and formal requirements.

Annuity management

We monitor annuity deadlines and manage payments to keep patents and utility models in force throughout their term. Our docketing system ensures no deadline is missed.

Licensing and technology transfer

We draft and negotiate patent license agreements, technology transfer contracts and related IP commercialization instruments.

Are you a law firm?

See our Mexico Local Agent Services