Trademark Registration with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI)

Requirements to initiate a trademark registration in Mexico

Trademark registration is handled by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), a decentralized agency of the Ministry of Economy.

Registering your trademark in Mexico is essential if you plan to operate, license, or expand into the Mexican market. Our team provides specialized legal assistance to companies, startups, and international law firms seeking to protect and manage their trademarks in Mexico.

To file a trademark application before the IMPI, the following documentation is required:

Required documents

Distinctive Signs Protection Application A, applicable to:

• Trademarks
• Collective marks
• Certification marks
• Trade slogans
• Trade names

Distinctive Signs Protection Application B, applicable to:

• Holographic trademarks
• Sound trademarks
• Olfactory trademarks
• Trade dress
• Combinations of the above
• Proof of payment of official government fees.
• Power of attorney or document evidencing the applicant’s legal representation, if filed through a representative.
• Spanish translation of documents issued in another language, when applicable.
• Legalization or apostille of foreign documents, if required.

Trademark registration process before the IMPI

The trademark registration process in Mexico includes the following stages:

1. Availability search | Before filing the application, it is strongly recommended to conduct a trademark availability search in the IMPI database to confirm that the mark is not already registered or confusingly similar to an existing one.
2. Filing of the application | Applications may be filed online through the IMPI’s official platform, including applicant details and the appropriate classification of goods or services.
3. Formal examination | IMPI reviews the application to verify compliance with all formal legal requirements.
4. Substantive examination | IMPI evaluates whether the trademark meets legal registrability requirements and does not infringe third-party rights.
5. Publication in the Official Gazette  | If approved, the trademark is published in the Industrial Property Gazette, allowing third parties a period of 30 business days to file oppositions.
6. Resolution and registration | If no oppositions are filed, or if they are resolved in favor of the applicant, IMPI issues the registration decision and grants the trademark certificate.

Estimated processing time

The average timeframe for trademark registration in Mexico is 6 to 8 months, provided that no oppositions or additional requirements are issued by IMPI.

Processing times may vary depending on:

• IMPI’s workload
• The complexity of the application
• The existence of oppositions or office actions

Trademark validity and renewal

A trademark registration in Mexico is valid for 10 years, counted from the filing date of the application.

Renewal

• Registrations may be renewed for successive 10-year periods.
• Renewal applications must be filed within the 6 months prior to expiration to avoid surcharges.
• A declaration of genuine and effective use of the trademark is mandatory.

Madrid System and international trademark protection in Mexico

Mexico is a member of the Madrid System, allowing Mexican trademark holders to seek international protection in other member countries through a single international application.

• The international application must be based on a Mexican trademark application or registration.
• IMPI acts as the Office of Origin for Madrid filings.
• This system enables centralized management of international trademark portfolios.

Final recommendations for a successful registration

Prior trademark research

Conduct a thorough search before filing to minimize conflicts with previously registered trademarks.

Specialized legal counsel

Engaging a trademark and intellectual property attorney helps reduce risks, streamline timelines, and increase registration success rates.

You may initiate your trademark registration without creating an account. Our team will handle the entire administrative process, provide continuous legal guidance, and manage follow-up at every stage.

Contact us today and protect your trademark in Mexico with expert support.

We also offer trademark registration in the Argentina, United States, Spain, and more than 150 other countries.

Ready to protect your brand? Contact us to get started today.

• USD