When your product goes on sale on Mexican e-commerce platforms and you find identical knockoffs at half the price within two weeks, you need industrial design registration to enforce your rights. The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) grants industrial design protection for up to 25 years.
1. What Is Protected Under Mexican Design Law?
Mexico protects two types of industrial designs: industrial drawings (shape and configuration) and industrial models (ornamental or aesthetic aspects). Protection lasts for 5 years from filing, renewable for up to 4 additional 5-year periods (maximum 25 years total).
2. The 6-Step Registration Process
Step 1: File application with IMPI including design drawings and specification. Step 2: Formal examination — IMPI checks documents and fees. Step 3: Publication in the Mexican Industrial Property Gazette for 2 months. Step 4: Substantive examination. Step 5: Allowance and registration. Step 6: Issue of registration certificate.
3. Required Documents
- Representation sheets showing 6 views of the design (front, back, left, right, top, bottom)
- Power of attorney (simplified for foreign applicants)
- Priority document (if claiming Paris Convention priority)
4. Summary
Mexican industrial design registration through IMPI takes approximately 6-12 months, with protection up to 25 years. For e-commerce sellers, design registration is essential to combat copycats and enforce your IP rights on Mexican platforms.