Mexico launches "Operativos Limpieza" to combat piracy and protect intellectual property

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) has intensified its efforts to combat piracy and safeguard intellectual property across the country through a strategic initiative known as Operativos Limpieza (Clean-Up Operations). These coordinated enforcement actions are being carried out nationwide with the goal of seizing counterfeit products, ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws, and protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses.

The Operativos Limpieza form part of a broader governmental strategy to address the importation, distribution, and commercialization of pirated goods—many of which are illegally brought into the country from Asia. These actions align with Mexico's commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/T-MEC) and represent a firm stance in defense of intellectual property rights.

Key operations across Mexico

1. Puebla (April 2025)
In one of the latest actions, IMPI led a dual-location raid in the city of Puebla, targeting two establishments. Authorities seized counterfeit goods including textiles, perfumes, toys, accessories, and tools bearing fake trademarks of brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Lego, Marvel, Hello Kitty, and Truper. 

2. Nuevo León (April 2025)
In six simultaneous raids across municipalities like Monterrey, Apodaca, and San Nicolás de los Garza, IMPI seized over 17,000 fake Nike products. This action was carried out at the request of Nike, aiming to protect its brand and market integrity. 

3. Tulancingo, Hidalgo (March 2025)
In a major operation, IMPI agents—supported by the Hidalgo state government and the local Attorney General’s Office—confiscated over 21,000 counterfeit products. The seized godos included imitations of brands like Lego, Disney, Adidas, and Dolce & Gabbana.

4. Hermosillo, Sonora (December 2024)
Authorities seized over one million counterfeit in one of the largest anti-piracy efforts to date. The operation was executed with the support of the federal government, the state of Sonora, the Tax Administration Service (SAT), the Navy, and the National Guard.

5. Mexico City – Izazaga 89 (November 2024)
At the heart of the capital, authorities raided the Izazaga 89 commercial center, seizing 90,000 counterfeit goods, including toys and merchandise featuring brands like Marvel and Sanrio. This raid marked the formal kickoff of the Operación Limpieza campaign.