Mexican Institute of Industrial Property and Cotija Cheese

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) plays a crucial role in the industrial property rights landscape in Mexico. In 2005, the Institute officially recognized Cotija cheese as a regional identity product, marking a significant step in the efforts to certify and protect the cheese's unique characteristics.

This recognition was a pivotal event aimed at ensuring the authenticity of Cotija cheese and safeguarding its unique regional attributes. However, despite this recognition, the cheese producers have faced challenges in securing an appellation of origin from the Institute.

Over nearly two decades, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property has denied applications for an appellation of origin, leaving Cotija cheese producers without this formal protection against industrial imitations. This ongoing denial has been a significant issue for the producers who strive to maintain the cheese's authenticity and protect it from imitation.

Modified: 2026/08/24

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