Copyright in the Second Government Report 

September 30, 2026

The Second Government Report highlights various legislative, regulatory, and institutional advances regarding copyright protection, related rights, and the protection of traditional cultural expressions. Among the most significant points are the reform of the Federal Copyright Law to address challenges arising from the use of artificial intelligence, strengthening of the registration mechanisms administered by the National Copyright Institute (INDAUTOR), as well as including various measures aimed at safeguarding the cultural and collective intellectual property rights of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples and communities.

1) Reform Regarding Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of Performing Artists

The Report highlights amendments to the Federal Copyright Law and the Federal Labor Law published on May 14, 2026, which are designed to protect performing artists from the unauthorized manipulation of their voice, image, personality, and performances with artificial intelligence or other similar technologies. In addition, infringement mechanisms were incorporated to combat such conduct. The report touted how this regulation is groundbreaking for Latin America. 

The reform is one of the most significant regulatory developments for the region with regard to protecting related rights considering the risks associated with generative technologies and the synthetic production of content.

2) Strengthening the Copyright Registration System

The Report notes that the Public Copyright Registry reached 78,000 registrations, representing a 35% increase compared to the previous period. Additionally, through the INDAUTOR university program, 1,193 students and faculty members were trained in copyright matters. 

These metrics reflect an increased use of the registration protection mechanisms established by Mexican law, demonstrating institutional efforts to promote a culture that protects intangible assets and registered works.

3) Protection of Collective Intellectual Property and Cultural Heritage

The Federal Government further reports on actions aimed at protecting the collective rights of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples and communities against instances of cultural misappropriation. In this context, infringement proceedings, mediation, and consultations related to cultural heritage and collective rights were carried out. 

Likewise, the protection of collective intellectual property linked to traditional knowledge and cultural expressions was highlighted, as well as regulatory measures preventing the registration of elements in trademarks that pertain to these communities´ cultural heritage without appropriate authorization. 

These actions demonstrate a growing convergence between copyright, industrial property, and the protection of intangible cultural heritage as assets.

4) Prevention of Plagiarism and Protection of Traditional Cultural Expressions

The Report notes that 1,115 artisans have been trained through the Original program, which emphasizes plagiarism prevention and mechanisms to protect their cultural heritage. 

The measure aims to strengthen the identification, appreciation, and defense of artisanal expressions that are eligible for legal protection, specifically against the misappropriation of traditional designs and cultural expressions.

5) Copyright as a Tool for Economic and Cultural Policy

The strategic objectives with regard to cultural policy specifically include the protection of copyright as a mechanism to strengthen culture as a contributor to the national economy by developing culture industries, creative enterprises, and artistic activities. The report details ongoing budget allocations for this objective during the 2020–2026 period.  

This recognition confirms the importance of intellectual property as a tool for fostering innovation, artistic creation, and the economic development of the creative sectors.

6) Impact of the New Federal Film and Audiovisual Law

The Report highlights the enactment of the Federal Film and Audiovisual Law, published on May 22, 2026, modernizing the regulatory framework for the production, distribution, exhibition, marketing, preservation, and dissemination of audiovisual works, which includes digital platforms. 

A tax incentive for film and audiovisual production was also established, covering up to 30% of the total production cost, which is subject to the limits set by the measure itself. 

These initiatives will have a direct impact on the creation, exploitation, and commercialization of copyrighted works in the audiovisual industry of Mexico. 

Conclusions 

This Second Government Report demonstrates the government’s priorities regarding copyright during the period under review, which are focused on: 

1. Regulating risks impacting performing artists attributable to artificial intelligence.
2. Strengthening the registration mechanisms administered by the INDAUTOR.
3. Protecting traditional cultural expressions and the collective rights of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples.
4. Preventing plagiarism and cultural misappropriation.
5. Consolidating copyright protection as part of economic and cultural public policy.
6. Strengthening the legal framework and providing incentives for the audiovisual industry.

In general, the Report reflects a trend toward modernizing the copyright protection framework as a response to emerging technological challenges, as well as placing greater importance on the protection of collective cultural rights within the Mexican intellectual property system.