In Mexico, anyone can file an opposition against a trademark application within a non-extendable period of one month from its publication in the Industrial Property Gazette. The official IMPI fee is MXN 4,296.74 (2026, VAT included). The opposition doesn't decide the case on its own: IMPI weighs it during substantive examination, together with the applicant's arguments.
When it makes sense to oppose
- Someone applied for a mark identical or similar to yours for the same or related goods or services.
- You have an earlier registration or application in Mexico, or can prove earlier use.
- The application was filed in bad faith: a former partner, a distributor or someone who copied your mark to sell it back to you. This is common when foreign brands start doing business in Mexico.
The deadline: one month from the Gazette
IMPI publishes trademark applications in the Gazette shortly after receiving them. From that publication you have one month to oppose, and the term can't be extended. If you miss it there are still routes (such as seeking invalidation of the registration later), but they're longer and more expensive.
How it's filed
- Identify the application: file number, applicant, class and goods or services.
- Build your arguments: why the marks are confusing (phonetically, visually or conceptually) and why the goods or services are related.
- Gather evidence: your registration or application, invoices, advertising, social media and anything showing use and seniority.
- File the brief with IMPI and pay the fee within the month.
What happens next
IMPI notifies the opposition to the applicant, who may respond. Then, during substantive examination, IMPI decides whether to grant or refuse the mark, considering the opposition, the response and its own analysis. Filing an opposition doesn't guarantee a refusal, but it puts your arguments on the table when they carry the most weight.
If you're the one receiving the opposition
It isn't the end of your application. You can respond with arguments and evidence, narrow the goods or services to avoid the conflict, or negotiate with the opponent. What you shouldn't do is ignore it. If IMPI has also issued a requirement, read how to respond to an IMPI office action.
Frequently asked questions
How long do we have to oppose a trademark in Mexico?
One month, non-extendable, from the publication of the application in the Industrial Property Gazette.
How much does an opposition before IMPI cost?
The official fee in 2026 is MXN 4,296.74 with VAT included, plus professional fees if a firm files it.
Does an opposition automatically stop the registration?
No. IMPI considers it during substantive examination, together with the applicant's response, and then decides whether to grant or refuse the mark.
What if the month has already passed?
You can monitor the file and, if the mark is granted, consider an invalidation action. It's a longer route, which is why finding out in time matters.
Spotted a similar application?
Send us the file number or the mark. We'll check the deadline and tell you whether an opposition is worth it.
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