Newsletter - Latin America IP SME Helpdesk

The Latin America IP SME Helpdesk team has just published a new blog post on confidentiality agreements (CA), also known as non-disclosure agreements (NDA), in Mexico. This blog delves into the Mexican legal framework, types of CAs and NDAs, and their application in business contexts. It also highlights the particularities of trade secrets in Mexico. Enjoy the read!

The Mexican Patent Office (IMPI) has been ranked as one of the most innovative IP offices by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in its World Intellectual Property Report 2024. The report analyses how 50 intellectual property offices around the world can use innovation policies to drive sustainable economic growth.

The report, issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), is an annual assessment of the protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in the United States' trading partner countries. The removal from the Watch List highlights the progress made by the country in the IP area.

Brazil's National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has published its Regulatory Agenda for 2024-2025. The INPI plans to re-evaluate the technical examination standards related to the prohibition on registering a trademark that is considered a sign or expression used solely as a means of advertising. Additionally, the INPI seeks to regulate the acquired distinctiveness "secondary meaning" of trade marks, establishing criteria for the examination of cases of acquired distinctiveness in applications for registration of non-traditional trade marks.

Venezuela's Autonomous Service of Intellectual Property (SAPI) has announced a reform of the intellectual property (IP) regime, which aims to strengthen the country's national production through Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and modernised IP legislation. This reform, supported by the National Assembly, seeks to modernise IP concepts and strengthen the economy by aligning with international standards and promoting collaboration between public institutions, universities, and the private sector.

On April 3, 2024, the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America came into force, marking a significant milestone in the 40-year history of cooperation between the regions. The ratification of the Agreement amplifies cooperation across diverse domains, from commercial development and climate change mitigation to institutional reinforcement and political dialogue.

Latin America IP SME Helpdesk will attend South Summit Madrid 2024, a global entrepreneurship meeting which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups and corporations. The event has become a global benchmark for attracting talent and generating business opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Under the slogan "Human By Design", this event aims to create real business opportunities between investors, corporations, entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as generate high-value connections within the global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

In collaboration with Arhipelago, Enterprise Europe Network Transilvania and APEC, Latin America IP SME Helpdesk is organising the second edition of the webinar series, "Road to South America: How to Protect Your Business Creations through Intellectual Property". This session will provide crucial insights into how to safeguard your business interests in Latin American countries.