Mexico Trademark Registration
Mexico is handled by the IMPI and runs a publish-first procedure: after formalities the application is published for opposition, and only then examined. Typical grant is 6-10 months where unopposed, the term is ten years, and a declaration of actual use in Mexico is due within three months after the third anniversary of the grant, and again at renewal.
Publication first means monitoring early
Because third parties can oppose before the office examines, the opposition window arrives early in the case rather than at the end. Watching publication is therefore a first-year activity, not something to arrange after registration.
Foreign applicants must appoint a Mexican agent, and goods must be described specifically - broad formulations invite requirements to limit.
Route and maintenance
Mexico is a Madrid member, but local use duties and opposition practice apply either way.
| Factor | National filing | Madrid designation |
|---|---|---|
| How to enter | Directly with IMPI | Designate Mexico in the international filing |
| Typical timeline | 6-10 months | 12-18 months |
| Opposition | After publication, before examination | Handled through refusal proceedings |
| Maintenance | Declarations at the third anniversary and at renewal | Same local use requirements apply |
Official fees follow the current schedule of the Mexican IMPI; our service fee is quoted by class and case complexity.
The use declarations people forget
Mexico requires a declaration of actual use within three months after the third anniversary of the grant; missing it ends the registration automatically, and a further declaration is due at renewal. Independently, five consecutive years of non-use exposes the mark to cancellation. Sellers shipping cross-border without local distribution should plan what evidence they will rely on.
The term is ten years from the date of grant, renewable in ten-year blocks. Where the brand is used in Spanish form, register that too - meaning-based similarity in Spanish is a real source of both refusals and third-party filings.
- Set publication monitoring before filing.
- Keep Mexican sales, distribution or customs records from launch.
- Assess the Spanish form of the brand alongside the English one.
Timeline and where it slips
The sequence is unusual, so plan for opposition risk in the first months.
Late responses to IMPI requirements are the most common cause of extended cases.
| Stage | Typical duration | Who acts | Where it slips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search including Spanish equivalents | 5-10 working days | We run the search | Meaning-based similarity unchecked |
| Filing and formalities | About 10 working days | IMPI | Broad goods wording |
| Publication and opposition | About 1-2 months | Third parties | Opposition missed |
| Substantive examination | About 3-6 months | IMPI | Slow response to objections |
| Registration and renewal | On grant | IMPI | Use declaration filed late |
How we work
IMPI register plus Spanish equivalents
Specific items, IMPI practice
Submitted once documents are confirmed
Respond to opposition
Answer refusal grounds
Use evidence on file
What you need to prepare
- Applicant identity documents
- Reproduction of the mark and Spanish form
- Specific goods and services list
- Local agent appointment documents
- Mexican sales or distribution evidence for renewal
Frequently asked questions
Why does Mexico take 6-10 months?
Formalities, publication for opposition and then substantive examination. An opposition during the early publication stage lengthens the case significantly.
When is the declaration of actual use due?
First within three months after the third anniversary of the grant - missing it makes the registration lapse automatically - and again with each renewal. Separately, five continuous years of non-use exposes the mark to cancellation.
Can I designate Mexico through Madrid?
Yes, Mexico is a Madrid member. Local use duties and opposition practice still apply, and refusals must be answered by a Mexican agent.
Do I need a Mexican company?
No. Foreign applicants may own a Mexican registration but must appoint a local agent for proceedings.
Want an assessment first?
Tell us the product and target marketplaces and we will give you a registrability opinion, a realistic timeline and a cost breakdown. Files can be submitted within 48 hours of confirmation.
