How I Maximize My INTA Membership: Jonathan Rangel

Jonathan Rangel, Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C., Mexico

The ease of collaboration among intellectual property (IP) professionals is one of the most valued benefits of an INTA membership, according to Jonathan Rangel (Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C., Mexico City, Mexico).

For Mr. Rangel, a longstanding INTA member, the diversity within the INTA community brings diversity in perspective on the same topics, which is incredibly helpful in addressing certain IP issues. He spoke with the INTA Bulletin about the benefits of belonging to the Association and why it’s important for lawyers to be involved in INTA committees.

How has being an INTA member helped you in your professional career?
Speaking personally, INTA membership has given me the opportunity to make great friends and colleagues who share my passion for IP. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with INTA members on many interesting cases on a national and worldwide basis. That’s a great boost for any IP professional because collaboration and teamwork make us stronger. Being an INTA member should be a top priority for any IP professional.

Apart from attending the Annual Meeting, how does your firm maximize its membership throughout the year?
First and foremost, we encourage our lawyers to be active volunteers on INTA committees. Undoubtedly, INTA committees provide an excellent chance to meet and work alongside excellent IP professionals from around the world. Knowing the diversity of points of view on the same topic provides you with the basis to address certain IP issues from different angles or perspectives, allowing IP professionals to provide rights owners with more enriched and detailed advice.

Can you share an example of a challenge IP professionals and brand owners are facing, and how INTA is helping address that challenge?
One of the biggest challenges that IP professionals face currently is establishing a uniform criterion for online use of trademarks. This is a task that, at a national level through the Mexican Trademark Office and the courts, and on an international level through the INTA Enforcement Committee, has been addressed. INTA’s input has helped to enrich discussions.

The pandemic has forced business to go online, and now more than ever, it is important to establish some minimum guidelines to determine the way in which online trademark use should be understood and applied.

In sum, why should brand owners and IP law firms join the Association?
From my experience, I would highlight two reasons. First, the possibility of having full access to up-to-date and detailed information regarding highly specialized topics on IP that is not only limited to a single jurisdiction, but always has a global focus. Second, the opportunity to meet great IP professionals and have the chance to collaborate with them and generate great and lasting friendships around the world.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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