istock-185407685_jmalov
20 May 2018PatentsVíctor Garrido

TPP: A missed opportunity

For many years, 12 countries in the Pacific Rim negotiated; they eventually issued a final draft of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal in February 2016. Like most contemporary free trade agreements, the TPP text contemplated an intellectual property chapter, wherein several dispositions regarding IP rights, patents included, were set. During negotiations and while ratification was pending, the TPP was considered an opportunity not only to update but actually to boost the Mexican patent system.

The TPP did not enter into force, mainly because of the withdrawal of the US in January 2017. However, the remaining 11 economies managed to sign the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which incorporates the TPP by reference, with some suspensions, especially in the IP provisions. The CPTPP is waiting for national ratifications but, unlike its predecessor, it is foreseeable that the treaty will enter into force.

At least for the time being, suspensions on patent provisions do not result in Mexico needing to significantly change its patent law.

Prosecution of patent applications has been open for public inspection in various countries, but not in Mexico in the past. The CPTPP text compels countries to establish public inspection of patent prosecution.

At least the following information is requested to be publicly available:

Already registered?

Login to your account

To request a FREE 2-week trial subscription, please signup.
NOTE - this can take up to 48hrs to be approved.

Two Weeks Free Trial

For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk