MINI Receives Recognition as a ‘Notorious Trademark’ in Mexico from IMPI 

March 27, 2026

On Wednesday, March 18, the legendary British luxury car brand MINI, owned by the BMW Group, has achieved a major milestone in brand protection and recognition. The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) has officially granted the trademark MINI the status of “Notorious Trademark”, one of the highest distinctions under Mexican trademark law. This prestigious recognition reflects the MINI brand’s exceptional level of market awareness, reputation, and distinctiveness in Mexico. It acknowledges more than two decades of continuous presence in the country and the brand’s firmly established position as a key player in the national automotive industry. 

The recognition follows a comprehensive review process initiated by the BMW Group with legal support from Arochi & Lindner, a law firm specializing in intellectual property. In its resolution, the IMPI highlighted that the MINI mark enjoys 75% brand awareness among current and potential automotive consumers, as well as 98% brand awareness within the sector’s business circles. These figures underscore the MINI brand’s extraordinary recognition and credibility across both consumer and industry audiences.  

As part of the accreditation process, Arochi & Lindner supported the BMW Group with the compilation and submission of extensive evidence demonstrating the MINI brand’s consistent presence and long-standing visibility across marketing channels, its website, official social media accounts, media outlets, and specialized magazines in both print and digital formats. 

With this recognition, the BMW Group strengthens the legal protection and strategic positioning of their brand MINI in the premium segment of the Mexican automotive sector, where exclusivity, heritage, and trust play a decisive role in the customer’s purchasing decision. Furthermore, the “Notorious Brand” designation reinforces the importance of proactive trademark protection, which is fundamental to preserving a brand’s identity, reputation, and long-term market value. 

The ceremony awarding the “Notorious Brand” recognition of MINI took place at the offices of the IMPI, with the participation of its Director General, Dr. Santiago Nieto, as well as Carolina Pérez Luna, Divisional Director of Industrial Property Protection, and representatives of Arochi & Lindner and the BMW Group in Mexico.