IP Aspects in the Argentina-US Bilateral Agreement

On November 13, 2025, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, and the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, issued a joint statement announcing the launch of a framework for a bilateral agreement aimed at promoting long-term growth, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening a transparent, rules-based environment for commerce and innovation.

The statement highlights several commitments undertaken by Argentina regarding Intellectual Property and Technology, In particular, Argentina’s undertaking to address structural challenges cited in the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s 2025 Special 301 Report, including patentability criteria, patent backlog, and geographical indications, as well as to work towards aligning its Intellectual Property regime with international standards.

These commitments suggest that Argentina may soon make substantial improvements in patentability criteria and accelerate efforts to modernize its IP system. There are also strong expectations that Argentina will join the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which would simplify international patent filings and provide greater flexibility for applicants.

These changes would represent a significant step toward harmonizing Argentina’s IP framework with global best practices and enhancing protection for innovators.

Regarding digital trade, Argentina expressed its intention to facilitate cross-border data transfers by recognizing the United States as an adequate jurisdiction under Argentine law and by refraining from any discrimination against US digital services or digital products. This step seeks to streamline digital operations, reduce administrative burdens, and provide greater legal certainty for technology companies and service providers.

Finally, Argentina also stated its willingness to recognize, for purposes of its domestic legislation, electronic signatures that are valid under US law, an approach that could facilitate digital transactions, international contracting, and bilateral commercial operations with greater efficiency and fewer additional formalities.