MERCOSUR–EFTA Agreement: What’s New With IP Matters?

MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) signed a Free Trade Agreement in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last September 16, 2025. The agreement establishes a free trade area and grants both blocs improved market access for more than 97% of their exports.

The agreement includes chapters on trade in goods, intellectual property protection, rules of origin, trade facilitation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, competition, and trade and sustainable development, among others.

Regarding intellectual property, the agreement sets out provisions on trademarks, copyright, industrial designs, patents, geographical indications, enforcement, and border measures. It also provides for cooperation mechanisms aimed at fostering research and development, creative industries, access to knowledge, and technology transfer.

MERCOSUR and the EFTA States have committed to completing the steps required for the agreement’s ratification and entry into force as soon as possible.