July 21, 2026
On July 13, 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) approved, by consensus, the designation of the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial (IMPI) as International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). With this decision, IMPI is expected to begin operations as ISA/IPEA in January 2027.
The PCT is an international treaty administered by WIPO that allows applicants to seek patent protection simultaneously in multiple countries through the filing of a single international application. Within this framework, the ISA conducts an international prior art search, while the IPEA carries out an international preliminary examination of patentability for those applicants who choose to proceed under Chapter II of the PCT.
This designation positions Mexico among a select group of Patent Offices capable of providing these international services, alongside Spain (OEPM) and Chile (INAPI), which currently offer ISA/IPEA services in Spanish. As a result, it generates important benefits for the innovation ecosystem in Mexico and the region. A significant investment in the recruitment and training of new examiners, as well as in technological tools, is expected to enable IMPI to carry out its new functions in line with international quality standards.
Should you have any questions regarding this development or its potential impact on your international patent filing strategy, the Patent team at Basham, Ringe y Correa will be pleased to assist you.
Sincerly,
Claudio Ulloa
Mariana Gonzalez
Carlos Fuentes
Valeria Roman