THE ANTI-COUNTERFEITING TRADE AGREEMENT (ACTA) AND MEXICO
Abstract
Mexican music groups often brag at the fact that their CD is the most pirated CD in Mexico. Throughout Mexico you find street vendors selling pirated computer software, DVDs, clothing and other untaxed goods. It is believed that piracy is damaging Mexico’s economy and deterring foreign investment. Recently Mexico has joined the small group of countries participating in the controversial closed-door negotiations of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), a proposed plurilateral agreement with the intention of establishing international standards on intellectual property rights enforcement. Mexico is one of only two developing countries taking part of the negotiations and the only Latin-American country. While legal scholars have drawn attention to the policy and practical implications of ACTA there has been little analysis on the reasons that a developing country like Mexico would join an agreement like ACTA. This article examines why Mexico is joining ACTA and the likely impact on Mexico.