23 April, 2026

Reform of the Mexican Federal Law (LFPPI): What’s changing for trademarks in Mexico

The magnitude of this amendment is historic: it affects multiple provisions of the current statute, incorporates twenty-three new provisions, and repeals six, with the purpose of modernizing the system, aligning it with international best practices, and addressing the challenges posed by digitalization and artificial intelligence to the protection of industrial property rights.

On April 3, 2026, the amendment to the Federal Law on the Protection of Industrial Property (LFPPI) was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), and it entered into force on April 4, 2026.

This amendment substantially modifies the patent regime, trademark regime, and proceedings before the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI).

In general terms, the amendments introduce measures designed to simplify and improve the operation of various procedures set forth in the law. At the same time, they strengthen legal protection for rights holders. Their purpose is to modernize the Mexican system to accelerate procedures, reduce timeframes, and enhance the protection of assets under the USMCA framework.

The most relevant changes and additions concerning distinctive signs and litigation proceedings are as follows:

  • Expansion of the catalogue of registrable signs. Article 172 LFPPI.

A new category of trademarks is recognized, including, notably, position marks, motion marks, and multimedia marks. This seeks to provide a clearer framework for the combination of signs.

  • Addition of a new ground for refusal of trademark registration. Article 173 LFPPI.

It is established that signs that are identical or confusingly similar to elements forming part of the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, or cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexican communities shall not be registrable.

  • Timeframes for IMPI actions (multiple provisions).

Maximum timeframes are introduced for the IMPI to act at different stages of proceedings related to distinctive signs, including the resolution of applications, publications, and associated administrative proceedings.

  • Suspension of proceedings. Article 228 LFPPI.

Provisions are introduced for the suspension of trademark application proceedings when there are nullity, cancellation, or lapse actions related to relevant signs, as well as in cases where the resolution of an application depends on the outcome of other proceedings.

  • Infringement proceedings through digital platforms. Article 328 LFPPI.

The possibility of filing and prosecuting administrative infringement proceedings before IMPI through digital platforms is established, consolidating the digitalization of procedures.

  • Ambush Marketing. Article 386 LFPPI.

“Ambush marketing” is incorporated as a ground for administrative infringement, recognizing that such practice is considered an improper exploitation of the reputation, prestige, commercial value of events, trademarks, or distinctive signs without authorization from their owners.

Important: Matters that are pending resolution at the time this Reform Decree enters into force shall be concluded in accordance with the provisions in force at the time they were initiated.

Overview of the Reform of the Federal Law on Intellectual Property

The recent reform of the Federal Law on the Protection of introduces significant changes to the system governing distinctive signs in Mexico, aimed at updating and strengthening it. The expansion of the catalog of registrable signs responds to the need to recognize new forms of commercial identification, while the inclusion of restrictions related to the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and communities and Afro-Mexicans reinforces the protection of elements with collective value.

Likewise, the incorporation of deadlines for MTO’s actions, the regulation of the suspension of proceedings, and the authorization of electronic means for processing infringements contribute to providing greater certainty, efficiency, and modernization to the system. For its part, the classification of ambush marketing as an administrative offense addresses contemporary commercial practices that required an explicit regulatory response.

Taken together, these amendments represent a significant step forward in the evolution of the Mexican trademark system; therefore, it is recommended that rights holders, applicants, and users of the system review their protection and compliance strategies in light of this new legal framework.

At H&A, we provide you with a team of intellectual property specialists who combine experience, strategic vision, and in-depth knowledge of the new legal framework. We understand that your brand is one of your most valuable assets, which is why we design tailored solutions to protect it and enhance its value.

Considering recent changes in legislation, we offer comprehensive support: we analyze the impact on your rights, identify risks and opportunities, and implement solid strategies that allow you to stay one step ahead.

Senior Attorney – Trademark Department