Three changes that signal an IP-friendly era for Mexico
01 August 2012
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Alli Pyrah, New York
Lawyers and IP owners have welcomed a series of pro-IP changes in Mexico – including signing ACTA and acknowledging data exclusivity protection - that could mean the country is on its way to becoming a safe-haven for IP owners and investors
New hope for ACTA
In addition to important favourable decisions by the Mexican patent office, the Supreme Court and the Mexican Health Authority on patent rights, the government made the controversial decision last month to sign the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement.
President Felipe Calderon’s administration, which will lose power in December when president-elect Enrique Peña Nieto takes over, controversially signed ACTA shortly after losing the presidential election in July. The Mexican Congress was not in session at the time. 
The move ignited a firestorm on Twitter and in Mexican newspapers, with opponents claiming that ACTA will be disastrous for online privacy and freedom of expression. Critics claim vague provisions could enable the government to bring criminal charges against users caught downloading copyrighted material and force ISPs to track online activity.
Last month, the European Parliament voted to reject ACTA following widespread public protest.
ACTA cannot go into effect until it...
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