Dear clients and friends,
With the aim of keeping you informed about regulatory changes affecting the management of your industrial property assets in Mexico, we share an analysis of the Agreement published by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) in the Official Gazette (DOF) on March 11, 2026. This Agreement amends Article 11 of the Response-Deadline Agreement by introducing a two-office-action cap during substantive examination of patent and utility model applications, as well as the possibility of holding telematic meetings with examiners.
Below, we present the most relevant aspects:
What does this Agreement modify?
It amends Article 11 of the prior IMPI response-deadline Agreement, capping at two the maximum number of office actions that may be issued during the substantive examination of a patent or utility model application.
What is the telematic meeting and who may request it?
It is a video conference with the IMPI examiner to discuss the application. The applicant may request it at any point during substantive examination. Additionally, IMPI itself may propose one when issuing the first office action.
When does it enter into force?
On the business day following its publication in the DOF, March 11, 2026. Applications filed before that date remain governed by the prior regulations.
How does it benefit IP rights holders?
It reduces uncertainty by capping office actions at two, and opens direct communication channels with examiners to streamline and clarify the patent or utility model prosecution process.
Conclusion
The amendment to Article 11 of IMPI's Response-Deadline Agreement represents a significant step toward administrative simplification and legal certainty for patent and utility model applicants in Mexico.
Capping office actions at two during substantive examination and enabling telematic meetings as a dialogue channel, IMPI adopts a more agile and transparent approach aligned with international best practices in industrial property.
For patent applicants, this translates into an opportunity to manage their filings more efficiently and strategically, leveraging direct communication channels with the Authority.
At Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster®, we have the experience necessary to advise you on matters of intellectual and industrial property, licensing, technology, and artificial intelligence. For any inquiries related to these topics, we remain at your disposal.
Practice Area:
Intellectual Property
Authors:
Edmundo Elías
eelias@rrs.com.mx
Alejandro Ripoll
aripoll@rrs.com.mx
Juan Rafael Amador-Espinosa
ramador@rrs.com.mx
Daniela Márquez Ledezma
dmarquez@rrs.com.mx
Sofía Castañeda García
scastaneda@rrs.com.mx