Mexico and United States Advance Intellectual Property Enforcement Cooperation Ahead of USMCA Review

By Goodrich Riquelme y Asociados

Mexico and the United States have begun implementing a series of measures aimed at strengthening intellectual property (IP) enforcement as both countries prepare for the first six-year review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), known in Mexico as the T-MEC.

The initiative builds on commitments announced earlier in 2026 by Mexico's Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) and U.S. counterparts to expand cooperation against counterfeiting, piracy, trademark infringement, and other intellectual property violations.

The measures form part of a broader effort to improve enforcement mechanisms under the trade agreement, which entered into force in 2020 and includes extensive provisions covering patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and border enforcement.

From Policy Commitments to Implementation

Since the initial announcement in March, Mexican and U.S. authorities have moved forward with several implementation steps.

Among the most significant developments is the creation of a bilateral intellectual property enforcement working group intended to facilitate cooperation between government agencies and improve coordination on investigations and enforcement actions. The mechanism is also expected to provide a channel for rights holders to communicate concerns regarding intellectual property violations.

Mexican officials have presented the initiative as part of a broader modernization of the country's intellectual property enforcement framework. Earlier measures announced by IMPI included faster administrative actions against repeat infringers, expedited procedures targeting websites accused of facilitating infringement, accelerated copyright inspections, and improved coordination with prosecutors in criminal cases.

Border Enforcement Becomes a Priority

A major focus of recent efforts has been the strengthening of border controls against counterfeit and pirated goods.

In April 2026, Mexico's National Customs Agency (ANAM) and IMPI formalized a cooperation agreement designed to improve detection of products suspected of violating intellectual property rights during import and export procedures.

The agreement provides for information-sharing between customs and intellectual property authorities, specialized training programs for customs officers, and the establishment of joint coordination mechanisms intended to improve enforcement at ports, airports, and land border crossings.

Border enforcement has long been considered a key component of intellectual property protection under international trade agreements, including the USMCA.

Connection to the USMCA Review

The developments come as Mexico and the United States participate in negotiating rounds related to the first scheduled review of the USMCA.

The review, required under the agreement's sunset and review provisions, is expected to examine a wide range of issues, including trade facilitation, rules of origin, market access, regulatory cooperation, and compliance with existing obligations.

While intellectual property represents only one element of the broader review process, enforcement practices have become an increasingly visible topic in bilateral trade discussions. U.S. authorities have historically raised concerns regarding piracy, counterfeiting, and enforcement capacity in Mexico through annual trade assessments and consultations.

Analysts note that recent Mexican actions may be viewed within the context of demonstrating compliance with USMCA commitments ahead of discussions concerning the agreement's future operation.