For the first time in several years, we are observing encouraging signs that criminal enforcement of intellectual property rights in Mexico may be entering a new phase.

The developments we are observing are not limited to increased enforcement activity or seizure statistics. More importantly, they suggest a broader institutional effort to strengthen the legal framework, refine prosecutorial criteria and enhance the effectiveness of criminal proceedings involving intellectual property rights.

Recent interactions with the leadership of the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes against Copyrights and Industrial Property (FEIDCDPI) have provided valuable insight into the institutional priorities currently shaping criminal IP enforcement in Mexico.

One of the most encouraging developments is the Office's willingness to maintain an open dialogue with rights holders and practitioners, reassessing practices and prosecutorial criteria that have, in recent years, hindered the effective prosecution of criminal IP cases.

The initiatives currently being promoted by the Special Prosecutor's Office suggest a strategic evolution in the way intellectual property crimes are investigated and prosecuted, including intelligence-led investigations focused on dismantling criminal networks rather than pursuing isolated infringers, enhanced recognition of victims' procedural rights throughout criminal proceedings, stronger inter-agency coordination, closer alignment with Mexico's international commitments under the USMCA, and legislative initiatives intended to strengthen the criminal framework applicable to intellectual property offenses.

The Special Prosecutor's Office also presented encouraging enforcement figures for the first half of 2026, reflecting substantial increases in products seized, criminal investigations, arrest warrants executed and defendants formally bound over for criminal proceedings.

If these initiatives continue to evolve and are consistently implemented, rights holders may benefit from a more effective criminal enforcement environment, particularly in matters involving organized counterfeiting operations, piracy, commercial-scale infringement and repeat offenders.

Whether these initiatives ultimately translate into long-term structural improvements will depend on their consistent implementation by prosecutors, investigative authorities and the courts, as well as on continued efforts to foster closer coordination with Mexico's customs authorities, particularly in combating cross-border counterfeiting and illicit trade. Nevertheless, the direction of these developments appears encouraging.

Rights holders should not only closely monitor these developments but also leverage these communication channels to strengthen cooperation with the authorities to enhance investigations and integrate coordinated criminal enforcement into broader intellectual property protection strategies in Mexico.

We will continue to monitor these developments closely and keep our clients informed of any legislative, institutional and enforcement changes that may affect the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Mexico.