In the current environment of remote working and social distancing derived from the measures adopted to avoid spreading the Covid-19, it has become challenging to have original documents executed.

Even though, the filing of e-signed documents before the IMPI is not a common practice, these should be regarded as originals and given the same legal effect as documents with handwritten signatures, taking into account that the Federal Civil Code provides that acknowledgment/consent can be expressed by electronic and/or optical means (which includes the use of electronic signatures), or by any other technology. This should also apply for any other declaration to be filed before IMPI.

While the requirements for POAs do not distinguish whether if they should bear a handwritten signature or an electronic signature, the criteria from the Examiners for the revision of formalities of POAs is formalistic.

In fact, the requirement for filing an original document of the POA during the prosecution of trademarks was eliminated from the IP Law a long time ago, but this requirement has not been eliminated for the prosecution of patents/designs, nor for all IP litigation, which reflects the importance that our legal framework attributes to the formalities of the POA.

Furthermore, our domestic law provides that the POA must be signed by the grantor before two witnesses. Following a formalistic approach, the Examiner could make an interpretation of these provisions in the sense that a handwritten signature is required.

Therefore, using e-signed agreements and declarations is something advisable but not POAs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWSLETTER, PLEASE CONTACT:

Abraham Díaz

Abraham Díaz

Partner

Abraham Díaz “adds value for clients with diverse portfolios as a result of his tripartite copyright, trademark and unfair competition expertise,” according to World Trademark Review’s WTR 1000. He co-chairs OLIVARES’ Litigation Team, as well as Data Privacy and IT Industry groups and has a wealth of knowledge across all areas of intellectual property (IP), with a focus on litigation, copyright, trademarks, unfair competition, licensing, prosecution and opposition matters. He also counsels clients on trade dress, product configuration, advertising, false advertising, trade secrets, plant breeders’ rights, vegetal varieties; right of publicity; Internet and digital environment related issues, IT and Data Privacy matters.
Alejandro Luna Fandiño

Alejandro Luna Fandiño

Partner

Alejandro Luna joined OLIVARES in 1996 and being made partner in 2005, he has been instrumental to the firm´s IP Litigation, Regulatory and Administrative Litigation practices. He co-chairs the Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Law industry group and coordinates the Litigation Department.
Armando Arenas

Armando Arenas

Partner

Armando Arenas joined OLIVARES in 2000 and became a partner in January 2017. He has experience working on a range of IP matters, including consulting and litigation on trademark, patent, unfair competition, trade dress protection, and misleading advertising cases before the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), Federal Court of Tax and Administrative Affairs (FCTA), Federal Circuit Courts (FCC) and the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) Regulatory Affairs and Public Acquisitions.
Daniel Sánchez

Daniel Sánchez

Partner

Daniel Sanchez joined OLIVARES in 2000 and became a partner in 2011. He is one of the leading intellectual property (IP) and administrative litigators in Mexico and is recognized by industry rankings and publications.
Gustavo A. Alcocer

Gustavo A. Alcocer

Partner

Gustavo Alcocer manages the Corporate and Commercial Law Group at OLIVARES, advising domestic and foreign businesses and the owners of those businesses on Mexican and cross-border corporate and commercial transactions.
Sergio L. Olivares Sr.

Sergio L. Olivares Sr.

Partner

Sergio L. Olivares Sr. joined OLIVARES in 1987 and today leads the firm with strength and a commitment to transparency, client satisfaction, and personal service. He has been a partner since 1994 and Chairman of the Management Committee since 2009.

WHO CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING NUMBER:

+52(55) 5322 3000
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