Blog
Analysis and commentary on intellectual property developments relevant to cross-border business across Europe, Latin America and Africa. We publish on the matters that affect how intangible assets are protected, exploited and defended — from EUIPO and WIPO practice to the implementation of the EU AI Act and the evolution of intellectual property regimes across Latin American and African jurisdictions.
Patent routes in Africa: ARIPO, OAPI or national filings? A decision guide
ARIPO, OAPI or national filings? How each African patent route works, which countries need national filings and how to combine them from one PCT application.
.MX domain disputes under the LDRP: the key difference from the UDRP
The LDRP governs .MX domain disputes: bad faith in registration or use is enough and registered slogans also give standing. How it works, timelines and fees.
Madrid Protocol in Latin America and Africa: who’s in, who’s out (2026)
Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and OAPI are in the Madrid System; Argentina, Peru, Nigeria and South Africa are not. The 2026 map and what it means…
How much does an international design cost? Hague fees explained
What a Hague international design registration costs: basic, publication and designation fees, examples for the EU and Latin American and African members, and hidden costs.
USPTO switches to Madrid e-Filing: what it means for US brands in LatAm
From 1 October 2026 US Madrid filings move to WIPO's Madrid e-Filing. What the WIPO account, Swiss franc fees and Madrid map mean for US brands…
ICANN string similarity rules: can a gTLD that looks like your brand pass?
ICANN published the 2026 round string similarity data and guidelines. The test is visual and ignores trade marks, so brand owners must rely on objections.
Colombia as the gateway to the Andean Community: IP strategy with the SIC
Colombia shares Decision 486 with Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, is the only one in Madrid and its SIC acts as registry and court. How to build…
International design protection for Latin American firms entering Europe
EU design, Hague or national filings? How Latin American companies can protect designs in Europe, who can use Hague and what each route costs in official…
IMPI becomes a PCT International Searching Authority: what changes
IMPI has been appointed PCT search and preliminary examination authority, working in Spanish. Who can use it, when it starts and Mexico's new priority restoration.
Cross-border patent strategy US–Latin America: PCT and PPH routes
From a US filing to patents in Brazil and Mexico: PCT milestones, 30-month national phase and how to use the Global PPH with INPI and the…
Hague system changes 2026: EAPO and Lao PDR join, no 3D or video yet
July 2026 Hague Union Assembly: EAPO and Lao PDR join, the single-class rule is still under review and 3D and video remain EUIPO-only.
Trademark watch in 25 jurisdictions: a calendar built on opposition deadlines
Opposition windows run from one month in Mexico to three at the EUIPO and OAPI. How to set a trademark watch calendar across Europe, Latin America…
