PCT System Strengthened as IMPI Becomes New International Authority

The PCT Assembly has approved a series of reforms to modernise the international patent filing system, ensuring the continuity of international search and preliminary examination services through 2037. The decisions also introduce improvements to electronic services, personal data protection, and fee management, making the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system more efficient and user-friendly.

A key development for the region is the appointment of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). Once operational, IMPI will become the 26th PCT International Authority and only the third based in Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthening regional access to high-quality international patent search and examination services.

The expanded network is expected to benefit innovators and businesses across Latin America by providing greater geographical proximity to these services while supporting more informed patent filing and commercialisation decisions.