Mexico's IP Office and Customs Agents Sign Collaboration Agreement to Strengthen Trademark Controls at the Border

By Goodrich Riquelme y Asociados

Mexico’s Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) and the Confederation of Associations of Customs Agents of the Mexican Republic (CAAAREM) have formalized a collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection in the country's foreign trade operations.

According to the joint statement, the agreement centers on the timely and effective exchange of information, supported by technological tools, shared databases, and operational reports, with the aim of improving the identification of trademark use in foreign trade operations and detecting potential violations of intellectual property rights. 

The agreement is also intended to provide greater certainty to international trade, as goods imported through CAAAREM-affiliated customs agents will carry additional guarantees of authenticity, regulatory compliance, and adherence to applicable law. 

The agreement further contemplates the involvement of customs agents in prevention and investigation tasks, as well as their participation in procedures related to administrative infringements involving goods entering or leaving the country. 

Role of Customs Agents

The agreement expands the operational role of customs agents in IP enforcement. Customs agents take on a more active role through their integration into prevention, investigation, and support functions in the face of administrative infringements. This represents a shift from their traditional role as trade intermediaries toward a broader function as frontline participants in IP compliance.

Broader Institutional Context

In late March 2026, IMPI had also signed a separate coordination and collaboration agreement with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM), establishing mechanisms to jointly design strategies, exchange information, carry out joint actions, and conduct training activities aimed at intercepting allegedly counterfeit goods seeking to enter the country, as well as strengthening a culture of legality and respect for intellectual property rights.