How to Register Your Trademark or Trade Name in Mexico

(“Pasos para registrar tu marca o nombre comercial en México”)

Introduction

Protecting your brand identity in Mexico is critical when you operate a business or plan to expand into the Mexican market. Registering your trademark or trade name before the Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial (IMPI) ensures exclusive usage rights and prevents third parties from using confusingly similar marks. This article outlines the step-by-step process, required documentation, costs, timeline, and key pitfalls to avoid.

Step 1: Preparation and Preliminary Search

1.1 Determine what you want to protect

You may wish to register a:

• Trademark (marca) – word, design, combination, figurative or three-dimensional mark. vozlegalmexico.com+3Gobierno de México+3impi.gob.mx+3
• Trade name (nombre comercial) – the name of your company, establishment or business that identifies your operations in Mexico. Gobierno de México+1
• Commercial slogan (aviso comercial) or image (imagen comercial) also available under IMPI. Gobierno de México+1

1.2 Conduct a search and classify your products or services

Before filing, it is essential to review whether your proposed mark or trade name is already registered or in application, and to identify the correct international class under the Niza (Nice) Classification.

• Use the IMPI’s resources: Acervo de Marcas & MARCia for similarity checks. Gobierno de México+1
• Use ClasNiza tool to identify the correct class for your products/services. Gobierno de México+1
  This step reduces risk of refusal based on identity or similarity.

1.3 Decide whether you’ll do it yourself or use professional help

While any person or entity can file, working with an IP attorney or specialist may reduce risk of errors. Mexico Emprende+1
You might also integrate this step with your broader strategy, e.g., if you have published an article on entity selection: [Internal link: How to choose the ideal type of entity for your foreign company in Mexico].

Step 2: Filing the Application

2.1 Register an account at IMPI portal

Create your “Tu cuenta PASE” account (online service portal). Impi+1
Ensure you have your e-Firma/FIEL (electronic signature) if filing electronically. Principal+1

2.2 Complete the form

Use the application form “Solicitud de Protección de Signos Distintivos (A/B)” depending on type. Gobierno de México
Include:

• Name of applicant (person or entity)
• Domicile (in Mexico)
• Representation (if legal representative)
• Type of mark/trade name
• Class number(s) and description of goods/services
• If trade name: indicate “giro preponderante” (predominant business activity) and provide “fe de hechos” document (for name commercial). Gobierno de México+1

2.3 Pay the filing/analysis fee

• The fee for a national application for one class is approximately MXN $2,457.79 (excluding VAT) if filed electronically. Figueroa y Asociados+1
• Some sources cite around MXN $3,000 for 2025. vozlegalmexico.com+1

2.4 Submit the application

Upload the form and all required documentation (PDFs) via the portal or submit physically if you prefer. Gobierno de México+1
Pay the fee, sign electronically if online, and save your acknowledgement (acuse).

Step 3: Examination and Publication

3.1 Formal examination

IMPI will examine compliance with formal requirements: correct form, payment, classification, applicant information.

3.2 Substantive examination

IMPI checks for identity or confusing similarity with prior registrations, descriptiveness, or lack of distinctiveness. For example, article 90 of the Industrial Property Law lists non-registrable items (generic terms, identifiers, etc.). Gobierno de México+1

3.3 Publication in the Gazette & opposition period

If passed substantive exam, the application is published in the IMPI’s Gaceta and a third party may file oppositions (generally within a set opposition window). Gobierno de México
At that point you should monitor MARCANET for notifications and possible objections.

Step 4: Registration and Term of Protection

4.1 Granting of registration

Once approved and no opposition upheld, you will receive the registration for the mark or publication of the trade name.
The registration grants exclusive rights in Mexico for 10 years, renewable for further 10-year periods. Gobierno de México+1

4.2 Use and maintenance obligations

• Maintain actual use of the mark or trade name; failure to use may lead to cancellation.
• For marks granted after August 10, 2018, you must file a “declaration of real and effective use” in the third year. Gobierno de México
• File renewal within 6 months before or after expiry as per IMPI guidelines. Gobierno de México

Step 5: Costs, Timeline & Best Practices

5.1 Typical timeline

• From filing to approval may take 4 to 6 months, depending on class, oppositions, and completeness. Gobierno de México

5.2 Public cost overview

• Filing Fee: approx. MXN $2,457.79 (online) per class. Gobierno de México+1
• Renewal, opposition or declaration of use carry additional fees. Mexico Emprende+1

5.3 Common mistakes to avoid

• Filing under wrong class or vague description of goods/services.
• Failing to conduct search for similar marks and encountering opposition.
• Choosing a mark or name that is generic, descriptive or already in use (which may lead to denial).
• Failing to monitor deadlines for use declarations and renewals.
• Registering with incorrect applicant or missing signature, leading to formal non-compliance.

Step 6: Strategic Considerations for Foreign Companies in Mexico

• If you are a foreign entity setting up operations in Mexico (for example, see your article “[How to choose the ideal type of entity for your foreign company in Mexico]”), ensure you align your brand strategy early.
• For cross-border use or expansion, consider international registration through the Madrid System (IMPI acts as an Office of Designation). Gobierno de México
• Keep your business address and contact information updated in IMPI records; changes must be notified to avoid invalidity.
• Monitor competitive filings proactively: set up alerts or use search tools to watch for similar marks.

Internal Links for Further Reading

• “How to choose the ideal type of entity for your foreign company in Mexico”
• “Key obligations for foreign companies newly constituted in Mexico”
• “What services can be outsourced vs. in-house in Mexico”

External Resources

• Official IMPI portal – registration of trademarks and trade names: IMPI Registro de MARCAS Gobierno de México
• IMPI FAQ and procedural guide: Marca en Línea – Tu cuenta PASE Gobierno de México
• Guide for registering trade names and marks: Cómo registrar tu marca en México – Principal Financial Group Principal

Conclusion

Registering your trademark or trade name in Mexico is a foundational step for protecting your brand and ensuring legal certainty in the Mexican marketplace. By following the preparation, filing, examination, and maintenance phases—and applying best practices for class selection, search and prosecution—you significantly reduce risk of rejection or conflict. As part of a broader compliance roadmap for foreign companies in Mexico, this step integrates closely with entity formation, tax registration, and operational launch.

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