Mexico Begins 2026 With an Intense Agenda on IP, Trade

The year has just begun and Mexico is already facing a series of legal and economic challenges and opportunities. Intellectual property is emerging as one of the most strategic topics, driven by the renegotiation of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), legislative reforms, the challenges posed by the FIFA World Cup, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on innovation. All of this is happening in a global context marked by rising piracy and the need to protect intangible assets in increasingly interconnected markets.

The review of the USMCA, scheduled for this year, will be a turning point for trade and intellectual property policy in the region. This process aims not only to update commitments but also to correct gaps in industrial property protection and ensure a safer environment for innovation.

Key issues include:

• Piracy and Counterfeiting: Mexico remains one of the countries with the highest piracy rates in Latin America. The United States has expressed concern over insufficient enforcement of laws, which facilitates the sale of counterfeit products and directly affects North American companies.
• Institutional Strengthening: The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) and judicial authorities face the challenge of having sufficient resources and training to effectively enforce treaty provisions.
• Legislative Harmonization: Although Mexico has implemented significant reforms, such as the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property, alerts about non-compliance persist. Keeping legislation aligned with international standards will be crucial.
• Data and Trade Secret Protection: The renegotiation may include pressure to strengthen the protection of pharmaceutical data and trade secrets, priority issues for US industry.
• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Ensuring these mechanisms work fairly and efficiently will be essential for resolving intellectual property disputes.
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Legal Reforms: Toward a More Agile and Modern System

In September 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum submitted to the Senate an initiative aimed at modernizing the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property. Among the most notable changes are:

• Simplification of Procedures: The goal is to reduce complexity in patent and registration protection, encouraging domestic innovation.
• Provisional Patent: This mechanism will allow applicants to reserve their place with an incomplete application and complete documentation within one year, facilitating access to the patent system.
• Defined Deadlines: Maximum timeframes will be established for IMPI to resolve applications, preventing processes from dragging on for more than four years. If deadlines are not met, affirmative resolution will apply.
• Strengthening IMPI: The institute will be granted more powers to evaluate intangibles and promote technology transfer.
• AI Liability: Infringements committed with the help of artificial intelligence will also generate legal responsibility.

World Cup 2026: Intellectual Property on the Field

Mexico will host the planet’s most important sporting event, which entails significant intellectual property challenges:

• Mass Piracy: Counterfeit jerseys, balls, and merchandise will flood the market. The country ranks first in piracy in Latin America, and surveys indicate that many fans will opt for fake products due to the high prices of official items.
• Ambush Marketing: Non-sponsor companies will attempt to associate themselves with the event without paying licensing fees. FIFA strictly protects its trademarks and has warned local governments about unauthorized use.
• Signal Theft: IMPI will monitor illegal broadcasts to protect broadcasters’ exclusive rights.
• Public Awareness: Eighty percent of Mexicans do not consider piracy a serious crime, highlighting the need for more effective campaigns.

Global Piracy: A Growing Business

The global trade in counterfeit goods continues to grow. According to the joint OECD–EUIPO report "Mapping Global Trade in Fakes 2025," imports of counterfeit products reached US$467 billion, equivalent to 2.3% of global trade. Mexico ranks among the Top 10 economies with the highest piracy trade, forcing companies to adopt more sophisticated strategies to protect their assets.

Artificial Intelligence Redefines Innovation

AI has become a key driver of business innovation. In 2026, companies will be able to accelerate product design, generate patents, and create software at record speed. However, this progress brings risks: questions about ownership of creations, traceability of the creative process, and misuse of third-party data. Companies that integrate AI with clear criteria for protection and risk management will capture the greatest value.

A Year for Strategic Decisions

Protecting intellectual property in Mexico will require more complex and strategic planning. The system offers multiple avenues — patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets — but globalization and technology raise the stakes. In 2026, the combination of monitoring, enforcement, digital cooperation, and coordination with authorities will be key to safeguarding assets in increasingly competitive markets.