Mexico Seeks Greater Role in Global Patent System with PCT Authority Nomination

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

Mexico has formally nominated the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) to become an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The proposal, which was made public during the 2025 WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, reflects Mexico’s ambition to expand its influence within the international patent landscape. The formal designation process before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is still underway and must be approved by WIPO’s Assembly of the PCT Union.

If approved, IMPI would join a select group of national and regional offices authorized to carry out international search and preliminary examination tasks for PCT applications. These functions are key components of the PCT system, providing applicants with early insights into the potential patentability of their inventions before pursuing national filings in one or more of the 157 PCT contracting states.

The PCT, administered by WIPO, offers a streamlined and cost-effective path for individuals and companies seeking multinational patent protection. A single PCT application has the same legal effect as filing separate national applications in all member countries. The system includes centralized search and examination services, followed by national phase entry, allowing applicants to make more informed decisions and delay significant translation and filing costs.