The labor of the Intellectual Property Area at VAHG has been centered for many years in the care and strengthening of the Appellation of Origin “Tequila” (“AOT”), through the design of protection strategies and the strive against illegality within the national and international market. In addition, we have focused our efforts in supporting individuals and companies that participate or wish to participate in the Tequila industry, including those involved in plantation, production and commercialization, up to its exportation.
In VAHG we have sought to fight against imitations and products that deceive and endanger consumers, as well as we have undertaken legal means to eradicate counterfeiting and adulteration of product, and mainly, to avoid the illegal use of the AOT.
It is our priority to prevent the misuse of the AOT, by raising awareness and making available to people the necessary information to join the industry and be able to participate within the legal framework and applicable standards, both within Mexico and the rest of the world.
The compliance goal is to protect the safety of consumers, to be able to guarantee the traceability and quality of the product and thus safeguard the health of all people who wish to enjoy a good drink of Tequila.
Therefore, we have provided our services to benefit the different sectors of the Tequila Industry, highlighting activities such as:
- Drafting of agave purchase agreements and Tequila maquila.
- Support in the review and drafting of new Co-responsibility agreements for authorized Tequila producers, and their registration with the corresponding bodies. 3. Support for Tequila retailers to properly engage with the Tequila Industry.
- Drafting of new license agreements for the use of Tequila brands and their registration with the authorities.
- Obtaining letters of consent for trademarks in countries where the use of Tequila requires compliance with the rules of the Certification Mark.
- Registration of trademarks for the sale of Tequila in compliance with the applicable legal framework.
- Support with the issuance of certificates of Tequila exportation.
- Review ofcompliancerequirements within the legal framework for Tequila products and products with Tequila as an ingredient.
- Counseling on product labeling matters.
- Counseling on the engagement of foreign brands, usage rules, Tequila exports, among others.
In VAHG we provide guidance and counseling services for the proper engagement and integration with the Tequila Industry and derivative services, such as those mentioned above, accumulating more than 30 years of joint experience in the field. For more information regarding the legal framework of Tequila, or a quote on our professional services, VAHG’s Intellectual Property team is at your service.
For further information, please contact:
| Mariana González Sánchez | Partner
Intellectual Property +52 (33) 38171731 Ext. 222 | mgonzalez@vahg.mx |
Martín Arias Cuevas | Associate
Intellectual Property +52 (33) 38171731 Ext. 236 | ariascuevas@vahg.mx |
**The publication of this document does not constitute legal, accounting or professional advice of any kind, nor is it intended to be applicable to particular cases. This document only refers to laws applicable in Mexico.