AIPPI Regional Group for Central America & the Caribbean Officially Established

By Bufete Mejia & Asociados

On August 22, 2025, the founding act of the AIPPI Regional Group for Central America & the Caribbean was officially signed in Guatemala, marking a key milestone in the formal institutionalization of this regional platform.

This official signing gives legal and symbolic weight to a process that had been building since 2013. From there on, the group has rapidly become a key forum for stakeholders in intellectual property (IP), innovation, regulation, and economic development across the region.

The AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) is a global non-profit organization focused on IP rights, enforcement, policy, and innovation. Its mission is to promote balanced and effective IP protection and to facilitate cooperation among IP experts, governments, industries, and civil society.

The Regional Group for Central America & the Caribbean seeks to tailor the mission of AIPPI specifically to the region, by bringing together member states in Central America and the Caribbean to address their shared challenges and opportunities regarding intellectual property. Among its priorities are:

-Harmonization of IP laws and enforcement across jurisdictions.

-Capacity building for institutions, including courts, patent offices, and regulatory bodies.

-Promoting awareness among innovators, small businesses, and the public.

-Advancing policy reforms that enhance innovation, investment, and socio-economic impact.

One of the group’s major events has been its 2nd Seminar, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, in June 2025, entitled “Challenges of Intellectual Property for Innovation in the Region.” This seminar was organized by the Regional Group.