Short answer
A Mexican trademark registration lasts ten years from grant, but it can be lost earlier: the owner must file a declaration of use shortly after the third anniversary, and declare use again at every renewal. Many portfolio problems we see in Mexico come from missed use declarations, registrations held by a former distributor, or brands filed only for some of the goods actually sold. We help legal and brand teams keep the portfolio in order and act when a third party gets in the way.
What we handle
Clearance and filing
Availability searches and trademark applications before IMPI, by class and by specific goods or services.
Use declarations
Docketing and filing of the declaration of use after the third anniversary of each registration.
Renewals
Renewal filings with the required declaration of use, inside the legal window.
Oppositions and office actions
Responses to IMPI objections and oppositions against conflicting applications.
Nullity and lapse actions
Actions against registrations obtained by former distributors, agents or in bad faith.
Licenses and assignments
Trademark license and assignment agreements and their recording before IMPI.
Deadlines your brand team should track
Term. A registration lasts ten years from the date it is granted and can be renewed for periods of the same length (Industrial Property Law, article 178).
Declaration of use at year three. The owner must declare real and effective use of the mark, listing the specific goods or services, within the three months after the third anniversary of the grant. Protection continues only for the goods or services declared, and if no declaration is filed the registration lapses automatically, without any decision by IMPI (article 233).
Renewal window. Renewal is requested within the six months before expiry; IMPI also processes requests filed within the six months after expiry. The renewal must include a declaration of use for the specific goods or services (article 237).
Registrations by distributors or agents. A registration obtained by an agent, representative, user or distributor of the owner of a foreign mark, without that owner's express consent, can be declared null; that action, like the one for registrations obtained in bad faith, may be brought at any time (article 258).
Source: Ley Federal de Protección a la Propiedad Industrial, text published by the Chamber of Deputies, last amended in the Official Gazette on April 3, 2026 (diputados.gob.mx). General information, not legal advice for a specific case.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Mexican trademark registration last?
Ten years from the date it is granted, renewable for periods of the same length (Industrial Property Law, article 178).
What is the declaration of use?
The owner must declare real and effective use of the mark, listing the specific goods or services, within the three months after the third anniversary of the grant. If it is not filed, the registration lapses automatically (article 233).
When can a trademark be renewed?
Within the six months before the registration expires; IMPI also processes renewals filed within the six months after expiry. Use must be declared when renewing (article 237).
Our distributor registered our brand in Mexico. What can we do?
If an agent, representative, user or distributor obtained the registration without the express consent of the foreign owner, the registration can be challenged by a nullity action, which may be brought at any time (article 258, section V).
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