Mexico’s Use of Intellectual Property to Promote Economic Development: A Conversation with Alfredo Rendón

The role of intellectual property in the Mexican economy has evolved rapidly, particularly following the entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement. To meet the needs of an increasingly innovative society, and to meet its obligations under NAFTA and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement which followed, Mexico has modernized its laws and strengthened the capacity and professionalism of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). Since its founding in 1993, IMPI has promoted the protection of industrial property to further the country's industrial and commercial activities.

The rights and obligations codified within the USMCA’s intellectual property chapter are some of the strongest in the world. Negotiation of those provisions raised a number of challenging and, at times, controversial issues in areas such as medical patents and geographic indications. In addition to providing protection for large national and multinational firms, the IP chapter provides encouragement for small and medium sized enterprises and individuals across North America to develop and commercialize their own ideas and innovations. IMPI’s task is to lead Mexico’s implementation of its obligations while simultaneously ensuring that its citizens are able to capitalize on the opportunities for economic development and individual prosperity stemming from strong intellectual property rights.  

On March 7 2022, the Mexico Institute held a conversation with Alfredo Rendón Algara, Director General of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). Rendón discussed USMCA implementation nearly two years after entry into force and IMPI’s recent initiatives regarding Small and Mid-size Enterprise and women-owned businesses.