Mexican Institute of Industrial Property celebrates 30 years of transformation
Article published by El Universal newspaper.
December 10, 1993, marked a significant milestone in the history of Mexico with the creation of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). It emerged in response to high intellectual property (IP) standards, a commitment assumed after the signing of NAFTA, which propelled the country to establish a robust and proactive institution in the protection of rights.
From the beginning, IMPI challenged the paradigm of traditional patent and trademark offices by assuming jurisdictional functions. This autonomy has enabled it to resolve nullity and expiration procedures, as well as to investigate and sanction infringements not only of industrial property rights but also of copyright, expanding its powers with the entry into force of the T-MEC.
IMPI’s growth has been remarkable. Initially with a staff of 200 people, it now has 900 highly trained employees, although this increase has not been sufficient to meet the growing demand for services in recent years.
The numbers speak for themselves: from 1993 to the third quarter of 2023, patent applications increased from 8,212 to 11,664; granted patents from 6,183 to 8,037. In the field of trademarks and registrations, we have gone from 28,920 to 162,733.
This growth is not limited to quantity but also to the increasing complexity of matters submitted for consideration and resolution. IMPI deals with everything from the protection of pharmacobiological innovations to internet piracy, demanding even more specialized personnel.
A notable achievement is that, thanks to the quality of its examiners’ work, IMPI, along with IPOS (Singapore), were the first to establish an accelerated examination program with the five major patent offices in the world (IP5): the United States, European Union, China, Korea, and Japan. This highlights the excellence and international recognition of the work developed in Mexico.
The value of IMPI lies not only in being the public registry of the most valuable property for companies and entrepreneurs but also in its role as the guardian of denominations of origin and, since 2018, of geographical indications. The institute was key in creating another entity that fills Mexico with pride, the Tequila Regulatory Council.
Awareness of IP has been another essential facet of IMPI. It has worked closely with state governments, educational and research institutions, offering everything from introductory courses to the establishment of patenting centers.
In terms of the observance and defense of patents, trademarks, and copyright, IMPI conducts about 4,500 inspection visits a year. In a country where violations are common, the task is demanding.
The international recognition of the institute is undeniable. It is one of the 15 most important offices in industrial property worldwide and the largest in the Spanish-speaking world. Thanks to the Cadopat program, born from the cooperation that Mexico has with the Latin America and Caribbean region, countries such as Paraguay and Belize grant patents whose examination was carried out at IMPI.
Despite the challenges, IMPI has remained firm, overcoming natural obstacles and facing political adversities. Its strength lies in its staff, whose dedication and professionalism ensure continuity in moving Mexico forward in the IP field.
On its 30th anniversary, IMPI is more than a registry: it is a fundamental piece of the engine for the development and welfare of Mexico. Happy birthday, IMPI!
