April 26, 2025 marks World Intellectual Property Day, a date that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of protecting creativity and innovation. This year, we focus on the relationship between Intellectual Property and Music, a sector that is deeply affected by copyright protection.

Music is a form of artistic expression that has been an important part of human culture for centuries. From the creation of a melody to the production of an album, music is the result of the creativity and effort of many individuals. However, Intellectual Property Protection is essential to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated for their work.

Intellectual property in music refers to copyright, which protects the original creation of a musical work. This includes the composition, lyrics, recording and production of a song. Copyright ensures that music creators have control over how their work is used and that they receive fair compensation for its use.

The protection of Intellectual Property in Music is pivotal to the Music Industry. Artists and music producers depend on the sale of their works for a living, and piracy and lack of copyright protection can discourage the creation of new musical works. In addition, Intellectual Property Protection is also important to ensure that music creators receive fair compensation for the use of their work in different contexts, such as digital rights management systems (DRM systems) and online music streaming platforms.

In the digital age, Intellectual Property Protection in Music is more important than ever. Music can be easily shared and distributed online, which can make it difficult for music creators to control how their work is used. However, there are many tools and technologies available that can help protect Intellectual Property in Music, such as DRM systems and online music streaming platforms above-mentioned.

In short, Intellectual Property and Music are closely related. Copyright Protection is essential to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated for their work and that the music industry remains viable. On World Intellectual Property Day, it is important to remember the importance of protecting creativity and innovation in music and other sectors.

For more information regarding the protection of musical works and copyrights in general and our legal services related to Intellectual Property, VAHG’s Intellectual Property team is at your service.

**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.

April 23, 2025 is World Book Day, an emblematic date that seeks to promote reading, writing and access to culture. However, behind this celebration there is a fundamental issue that deserves to be highlighted: copyrights.

Copyrights are those that protect the Intellectual Property of the creators of literary, artistic and musical works, among others. These rights ensure that authors receive fair compensation for their work and that they can control how their work is used.

The relationship between World Book Day and Copyright is close. The celebration of books seeks to promote the habit of reading and the creation of new works through writing, but without copyright protection, many authors would not be able to make a living from their work. Piracy and lack of Copyright Protection can discourage the creation of new works and harm authors who depend on their work for a living.

In this regard, it is essential that copyrights are respected and protected. Authors must receive fair compensation for their work, publishers and distributors must ensure that works are published and distributed legally.

On World Book Day, it is important to remember the importance of Copyrights and its role in promoting creativity and culture. By respecting and protecting these rights, we can ensure that authors continue to create works that inspire, educate and entertain us.

Summarizing, World Book Day and Copyrights are closely linked. The Protection of Copyrights is fundamental to promote creativity and culture, and it is important to respect and protect them in order to ensure that authors continue to create works that enrich us.

For more information regarding the protection of Literary Works and Copyrights in general and our related legal services, the Intellectual Property team is at your service.

**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.

Antidumping is a set of measures that a country adopts to prevent foreign products from being sold at prices below their real value or cost of production in the local market and, that cause damage to national production. This phenomenon is known as “dumping”.

When a company or country is found to be dumping, the affected country may apply anti-dumping measures. These measures may include additional import duties or tariffs on imported products sold at unfairly low prices. The purpose is to protect local producers and ensure more balanced trade.

Governments are entitled according to WTO Rules to take action against dumping in order to protect their domestic production. The WTO Agreement focuses on how governments may or may not respond to dumping; it establishes disciplines for anti-dumping measures and is often referred to as the “Anti-Dumping Agreement”.

The legal definitions are more precise, but, broadly speaking, the WTO Agreement authorizes governments to take action against dumping when genuine (“material”) harm is caused to the competing domestic industry. In order to take such action, the government must be able to demonstrate that dumping exists, calculate its magnitude (how much lower the export price is compared to the price in the exporter’s home market), and show that the dumping is causing damage or threatening to cause it.

According to Dr. Oscar Cruz Barney, in his article “The Constitutional control of antidumping resolutions and the panels of Article 1904 of the North American Free Trade Agreement”, under Mexican law, unfair International Trade Practices are considered the importation of goods under conditions of price discrimination or grants in the exporting country, either the country of origin or place of provenance, causing damage to a domestic production of identical or similar goods.

In 2025, antidumping measures have gained relevance in Mexico due to increasing trade tensions and the need to protect the domestic industry from unfair practices. The Ministry of Economy has initiated several anti-dumping investigations against imports from countries such as China and the United States. For example, at the beginning of February, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy announced on Thursday that it had initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cartonboard from China. Furthermore, on February 26, U.S. chassis producers requested the relevant U.S. government agencies to conduct investigations to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of chassis and sub-assemblies from Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam. On March 3, Mexico initiated anidumping investigations on imports from China of thermoplastic rubber, hot-rolled steel, micro-steel and fertilizers.

Imports from Mexico are alleged to be dumped at a margin of 32.37%, imports from Thailand are alleged to be dumped at a margin of 234.06% and imports from Vietnam are alleged to be dumped at a margin of 304.68%. In addition, Imports from Mexico and Thailand are also alleged to be unfairly subsidized by their respective governments.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission are expected to initiate formal preliminary stage investigations of imports from the three countries by March 18, 2025. Investigations typically last more than a year and could result in the imposition of duties on imports from the countries.

These measures agree with the imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexican exports by the US government and the tightening of the Donald Trump administration’s trade policy.

According to the preliminary resolutions published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, there is evidence that Chinese products have been subjected to price discrimination, which would have caused harm to the domestic industry. Several Mexican companies filed complaints and requested the intervention of the Ministry of Economy, according to La Crónica. An investigation was also initiated into imports of hot-rolled steel from China and Vietnam.

VAHG helps clients manage the risks they may face around the increasing complexities of Mexico’s international trade regulations, especially in the areas of tariffs and anti-dumping measures. Our Firm aims to serve companies navigating these challenges, helping them comply with legal regulations while maximizing their trade opportunities and growing their businesses. We have the support of experts in various international legislations to ensure that Mexican companies can compete on equal terms in the global marketplace, while protecting their interests on issues of unfair practices such as dumping.

For more information regarding our professional services, our International Trade and Antidumping Practice Partners are at your service.

Oscar Cruz Barney | Senior Partner

International Trade & Antidumping

+52 (33) 38171731

**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.

This 2025 we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).

On December 21, 1965, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) through Resolution 2106 (XX), marking a global effort to eradicate racism. As the first of the UN’s core international human rights treaties, ICERD laid the groundwork for future human rights advances. Its commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of equality sustains the ongoing struggle against racist ideas and practices in all areas, with the aim of fostering global understanding and unity, free of racial segregation.

The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, along with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

This International Day against Racial Discrimination invites us to reflect on the progress achieved in the fight against discrimination in all its forms, while at the same time it is setting new challenges for today. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to equality and to continue our efforts to eliminate racism by ensuring equal treatment for all people.

At VAHG, we are committed to foster an environment where differences are respected and all voices are heard, where every member of our Firm feels valued, listened and respected.  Each of us has a moral responsibility to be an ally and to act against any act of discrimination by fostering an inclusive environment, free of prejudice and discrimination.

Commitment to racial equity is not only a moral responsibility, but also an opportunity to strengthen human capital and promoting innovation within our Firm. Recognizing, valuing and advocating diversity in our teams is key to building fairer, more productive and resilient work environments.

2025 is a pivotal year for the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment focused on Law Firms. The theme of the International Women’s Day 2025 campaign is “Accelerate Action.”

Collectively, we can accelerate action for gender equality and reflect on the progress made and challenges we women still face especially in the legal professional field in Mexico.

In this context, it is essential to accelerate initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality at all levels of the legal profession. The legal profession has historically been dominated by men, which has resulted in an environment where women have had to struggle to be heard and to gain access to leadership positions, equal pay, policies that favor work-life balance, as well as training and awareness programs that contribute to a more inclusive and discrimination-free environment.

The need to accelerate action as a message on this day highlights the importance of adopting quick and decisive measures to achieve gender equality, such as fostering mentoring programs and support networks within law firms to help young women starting their careers in the legal sphere, which will help them access better opportunities and prepare them for leadership roles in the future.

We recognize the strategies, resources and activities that positively impact the advancement of women in our Firm in order to have a fairer and more equitable environment for them to be fulfilled in their working lives. We still have a long way to go but we are aware that “Accelerating Action” will ensure that women have a voice and are heard in strategic committees for their professional development and that a culture of respect and trust is permanently promoted.

Mexican Inventor’s Day: The Importance of their role in the advancement of Technology

Every February 17, Mexico celebrates the Mexican Inventor’s Day, a date dedicated to recognize the talent and creativity of those who, with their ingenuity, have contributed to the technological and scientific advancement of our country. This celebration was established in honor of the birthday of Guillermo González Camarena, the illustrious Mexican engineer who invented the Trichromatic Sequential Fields System, one of the bases for color television transmission.

Origins and Significance of the Celebration

Mexican Inventor’s Day has been officially commemorated since 1993, when several institutions and organizations related to Intellectual Property in Mexico promoted this date to highlight the importance of national inventors. Guillermo González Camarena, born on February 17, 1917, was a pioneer of engineering in the country and his legacy has inspired generations of Mexican scientists and technologists.

The Inventor’s Role in Technological Development

Inventors play a fundamental role in the economic and social development of a nation. Throughout history, technological advances have been driven by individuals who, through research and experimentation, have found innovative solutions to everyday problems. In Mexico, figures such as Manuel Mondragón, inventor of the Mondragón semi-automatic rifle in the 20th century, or Luis Ernesto Miramontes, co-inventor of the birth control pill in 1951, have left an indelible mark on world science and technology.

Nowadays, with the arrival of artificial intelligence, automation and digitalization, inventors continue to be key players in the technological revolution. The creation of new technologies allows the development of emerging industries, the optimization of production processes and the improvement in the quality of life of the population.

The Value of Intellectual Property in Mexico

The protection of inventions and creations through Patents and Intellectual Property Rights is a fundamental pillar to foster innovation. In Mexico, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) is the entity in charge of granting patents and safeguarding the rights of inventors. A patent not only recognizes the work of those who develop an innovation, but also encourages investment in research and advancement, allowing inventors to capitalize on their creations so that they can be useful on a large scale.

Nevertheless, Mexico faces challenges in the area of intellectual Property. The number of patents registered by Mexicans remains low compared to other countries. Factors such as lack of funding, bureaucracy and a poor culture of Intellectual Protection make it difficult for many inventors to bring their creations to market. That is why the celebration of Mexican Inventors’ Day seeks not only to pay tribute to those who have transformed history with their discoveries, but also to raise awareness of the need to strengthen mechanisms to support innovation and patent registration.

Conclusion

Mexican Inventor’s Day is a date of recognition, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of ingenuity and creativity as engines of progress. History has shown that Inventors are fundamental in the development of more advanced and sustainable societies. Fostering the culture of Innovation and the protection of Intellectual Property is an essential task for Mexico to continue generating technological advances with global impact.

On this February 17, at VAHG we celebrate Mexican Inventors, whose talent and dedication continue to drive the future of our country. With our experience in Industrial Property matters, we are able to provide specialized attention in patent protection and technology development. In case you need advice, please contact any of our Intellectual Property Attorneys.

The real estate market in Mexico is growing year after year. The year 2025 promises to be no exception, since a positive outlook is perceived in which this type of investment will continue to grow, both from domestic and foreign investors.

Investing in Real Estate, according to experts, is one of the smartest and safest decisions that can be made. This type of investment generates capital gains in the medium and long term, as well as protection against inflation, offering a constant profitability. The Ministry of Economy confirms that real estate can generate yields of up to 30% in the first year, which makes this sector an attractive financial refuge.

According to a study conducted by HelloSafe, a platform that compares financial products, revealed that 40.4% of Mexicans trust in investing their money in Real Estate. Likewise, financial institutions confirm that certain advantages of investing in Real Estate include the following:

• Low volatility: Real Estate is a low volatility investment due to the fact that there is always demand for housing.
• Security: Investing in Real Estate is a safe strategy, since demand is always increasing, as it is a basic necessity.
• Capital Gain: Properties have capital gain due to the increase in real estate prices.
• Recovery: The market recovers, that is, when the economic cycle starts to turn around, people who bought at a lower price due to the economic crisis can always benefit from the high part of the cycle and thus benefit their investment.

By 2025, the General Director of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Fibers (AMEFIBRA) reported that Real Estate Companies will invest $652 billion pesos in the construction of low-income and vacation housings, hotels, offices, industrial buildings and shopping centers in Mexico. This confirms that the Real Estate Sector in the country represents an approximate 15% annual growth, between challenges and opportunities for the construction of homes, industrial buildings, hotels, shopping centers and other sectors.

At VAHG we structure and implement tailor-made real estate strategies, facilitating the client’s review, audit, regularization, negotiation for the acquisition and/or transfer of real estate by individuals or companies, domestic or foreign, providing comprehensive counseling to ensure the most efficient option from a legal and tax perspective. We offer accompaniment from the preliminary stage to the conclusion of the matter, coordinating the participation of financial institutions, trustees, local or federal authorities, providing the option of formalizing the structure chosen before the attestation of our Notary Public.

**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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has established itself as one of the most disruptive technologies of this century. In Mexico, AI has begun to play an increasingly relevant role, not only in academic and research field, but also in the industrial, business and governmental sectors. In particular, the State of Jalisco has been one of the main players in promoting investment in this particular category, becoming a neuralgic point for the development of artificial intelligence in the country.

AI as a driving force for change in Mexico

Mexico has recognized the potential of AI as a key driver for its economic growth and social development. According to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), it is estimated that the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI could add up to 3.2% to Latin America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the coming years. In this context, the Mexican Government has begun to implement policies and strategies to boost research, development and adoption of AI in different sectors, such as health, education, agriculture and manufacturing.

Jalisco’s role in the Technological Revolution

Jalisco, a state with a highly dynamic technology ecosystem, has been a leader in AI adoption and investment in Mexico. With a robust research infrastructure, renowned universities such as the University of Guadalajara and Tecnológico de Monterrey, and a growing community of technology startups, Jalisco has positioned itself as a pole of attraction for AI investment. In recent years, there has been evidence of a growing flow of capital into the technology sector, especially in the field of artificial intelligence.

One of the most outstanding initiatives in this regard is the creation of the “Digital Creative City ” in Guadalajara, the state capital. This ambitious project aims to transform the city into a center of innovation, creativity and technological development, attracting global companies and fostering new startups. The infrastructure of this digital city includes spaces for collaboration between companies, governments and universities, facilitating knowledge transfer and the development of artificial intelligence projects.

In addition, Jalisco is proud to host an annual event called “Talent Land”, in which since 2018 is organized, with the participation of the state government and different companies, a symposium focused on exposing ideas and development in the field of technology and innovation of people of all ages. The 2024 edition is highlighted, in which companies such as Google and Nvidia participated, adding to the theme of Artificial Intelligence within the event.

Foreign investment and business collaboration

Jalisco has witnessed a significant increase in foreign investment in the artificial intelligence sector. Large international companies, mainly in the technology field, have established research and development (R&D) centers in the state, which has generated a major impetus for the creation of new skilled jobs. In addition, strategic alliances between large corporations and local universities have enabled the development of innovative technologies and the training of specialized AI talent.

In addition to large companies, Jalisco has also seen the arrival of numerous artificial intelligence startups that develop solutions for various sectors, from process automation to improving health care through the use of predictive algorithms. These startups are not only attracting local and national investment, but are also generating a positive impact on the state’s digital economy.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the optimism surrounding the growth of AI in Mexico and Jalisco, there are still several challenges to overcome. The lack of adequate infrastructure in certain regions of the country, the shortage of highly qualified talent and the need for effective regulation around the ethics of artificial intelligence are some of the obstacles that could hold back the potential of this sector. However, the path towards a strong and competitive artificial intelligence ecosystem appears to be promising, and Jalisco has the advantage of having a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as a strong investment in education and training in digital skills.

Conclusion

In summary, artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the main transforming forces in Mexico’s technological landscape. Jalisco, with its strong commitment to innovation and technology, has managed to position itself as a leader in attracting investment for AI development, which not only benefits its economy, but also places the state at the forefront of Mexico’s digital future. With the right momentum and the collaboration of all sectors, Jalisco has the potential to become a global benchmark in Artificial Intelligence.

Given this reality that is already being experienced in our country and particularly in Jalisco, it is important not to leave aside the legal protection of intangible assets and products of intellectual development based on AI or even new AI programs themselves, since due to their high value and possibility of economic exploitation, it is essential to have the appropriate protection and registrations for it.

Along with the boom that these new technologies are emerging, new challenges and risks are appearing for those engaged in their development, as well as for those who use them for their businesses and ventures. This can materialize, for example, when someone who has implemented creative ways of using technology and thereby generated value for their company, comes across a copy of his business model or even someone else who uses the same programs and brands that they have worked so hard to obtain.

In VAHG we have the best lawyers with specialized studies in new technologies and protection of intangible assets that can provide personalized advice for the needs of those interested in taking care of their developments and companies, both for proper planning and risk prevention in terms of technology and information theft, as well as to take action against possible infringements of their intellectual property rights.

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.

During the second half of 2024 Mexico, Argentina, and Chile lead in relation to corporate venture capital investment, as the number of active funds has doubled between 2020 and 2023, making these countries the fastest growing globally, according to the Wayra Hispam report. The 80% of investments in innovative startups are concentrated in four main countries: Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia.

The corporate venture capital sector alone has increased its share of Venture Capital investments from 10% in 2022 to 15% in 2023, contrary to the global trend of contraction.

In November, the Mexican Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) market, according to Seale & Associates, registered 16 domestic operations and 3 international transactions. The movements of companies such as FEMSA, FRESNILLO PLC, FIBRA Prologis, Ayesa, Traxión and Grupo Bimbo stand out.

According to Forbes Mexico, French companies are investing in Mexico because of its “pro-business” government, mainly in the infrastructure, health, mobility, transportation, energy, construction, banking, technology and communication sectors. In a similar direction, the sectors to which belong to international companies that invest in Latin America, are linked to 27% of the manufacturing industry, chemicals, agriculture; while 24% belong to financial and energy firms. The other growing sector in our country is the consumer products industry, which includes e-commerce, food and clothing, with a 22% share, the same percentage obtained by the transportation and logistics industry.

Most of the companies in Latin America this year disbursed capital in favor of startups dedicated to financial services, transportation, mobility and logistics. Mexico has financial offerings and public services as advantages for foreign investment. In a comparison among 50 countries, Mexico was ranked 16th according to information gathered by the World Bank.

Mexico is currently attractive for InsurTech investments despite global uncertainty. The focus on big techs in the insurance market brings with it opportunities for innovation and collaboration for insurers and InsurTechs.

Latin America is on the investors’ radar, especially in the infrastructure, artificial intelligence and energy transition sectors, according to BlackRock. On this matter, Mexico is well regarded globally, thanks to nearshoring and friendshoring business practices, distributing products to the United States with a growing trend by the private sector to invest in infrastructure projects, such as ports, roads, hospitals and everything to do with data centers and clean energy.

Despite the strict migration policies and the 25% increase in tariffs that will be imposed by President-Elect Donald Trump and the latent risk of our country being excluded from NAFTA, Mexico will continue to be a focus of investment, thanks to its proximity to the United States, the largest industrial market in the world, in addition to being a country with a great source of labor and raw materials. Mexican companies have sought to diversify their operations through acquisitions in other Latin American and global markets. At the same time, foreign companies see Mexico as a platform to access other Latin American markets, due to its geographic proximity, trade agreements such as the T-MEC and the strengthening of its logistics infrastructure.

The country continues to position itself as a key destination for international investments, which makes M&A transactions an essential component in the evolution of its economy.

In VAHG we provide legal services with great experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, being leaders in this Practice in Mexico. We are backed by a solid legal infrastructure with more than 30 years of combined experience, focused on assisting our Clients in a timely manner and with effective and practical solutions, with the commitment and integrity within the legal framework of Mergers and Acquisitions.

For more information regarding our professional services, our Mergers and Acquisitions Attorneys are at your service.

**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.

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a key date in the global social agenda and a relevant reminder of the urgent need to eradicate all forms of violence currently suffered by women in Mexico and around the world. Within the framework of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) awareness, this day is an opportunity to reflect on gender inequalities and promote justice, equity, the protection of women’s human rights and sustainability in community and work environments.
In the first quarter of 2024, more than 300 femicides were registered, which represents an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2023. There are currently 624 officially investigated femicides in Mexico, so far this year to November, a figure that organizations against gender violence believe could be double due to the difficulties faced by prosecutors and courts to judge with a gender perspective, which reflects the urgency of implementing effective policies and actions to eradicate this problem with preventive approaches and support for victims.

Mexico has laws such as the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free of Violence and the Federal Criminal Code, which criminalizes gender-based violence and establishes responsibilities for institutions, including companies and government agencies, to prevent and punish these acts. In addition, global initiatives, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, recommend that Companies have to respect and promote human rights, including the fight against gender-based violence.

Companies that include concrete measures in their ESG policies can support everything from the creation of protocols for the protection of their female employees to awareness-raising programs on gender-based violence. At the social level, organizations can work with NGOs to raise awareness and education on the issue, helping to reduce stigma and offering resources to women that are at risk.

Adopting clear and strong policies against gender-based violence has benefits for companies, including retaining talent, strengthening organizational culture and improving productivity. Likewise, it helps to improve the image of companies in the eyes of investors who prioritize ESG criteria, who seek to invest in companies committed to social welfare.
At VAHG we reaffirm our commitment to work together to rebuild a better Mexico where practices that foster equity and respect are adopted and promoted, advancing ESG commitments and contributing to a fairer and safer society for all.