Latin America's mining sector is a global powerhouse – and demand isn't likely to ease anytime soon. At the forefront is copper, with Chile and Peru currently top producers, closely followed by lithium, thanks to the relentless rise in EVs and renewables. Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia hold significant reserves of the mineral, while Brazil is a leading producer of iron ore and bauxite. Not surprisingly, it is an active market for Canadian mining companies. The nation's mining industry is well-established and renowned for its innovation, technological advancement, know-how, relatively safe and sustainable working practices. As companies develop new methods, machinery and exploration techniques, securing intellectual property (IP) rights becomes essential to protecting these valuable assets, maintaining a competitive edge and driving growth.

Securing IP rights for Canadian mining companies operating in South America presents unique challenges and opportunities. It is essential for companies to recognise that intellectual property protections granted in Canada do not automatically apply in South American jurisdictions. Below, are key considerations to help Canadian mining companies secure, safeguard and manage their IP rights effectively.

Understanding IP in mining

In mining, IP includes everything from:

  • Innovative extraction or processing technologies
  • Geological data and exploration methodologies
  • Proprietary software and data analytics tools
  • Unique equipment designs
  • Brand names, logos, and trade dress
  • Confidential business processes, trade secrets and know-how

Types of IP Protection Available

Canadian law provides several mechanisms to safeguard IP relevant to mining operations.

  • Patents: Protect new inventions, such as novel mining equipment or extraction processes, granting exclusive rights, typically, for up to 20 years.
  • Trademarks: Safeguard brand names, logos, and symbols that distinguish a company’s products or services in the marketplace.
  • Copyright: Covering all original works, including technical drawings, reports and proprietary software code.
  • Industrial Designs: Protect visual design of objects, such as the unique appearance of mining machinery, drill bits and any related technical creations.
  • Trade Secrets: Guard confidential business information, including proprietary formulas, exploration data, valuable geological insights, and operational techniques.

Steps for securing IP rights

It is important to start by Identifying, auditing and recording IP assets.  Conduct a thorough review of the company’s operations to pinpoint inventions, processes, designs, and confidential information that may be eligible for protection.  It is also important to determine appropriate levels of protection, regardless of the operational jurisdiction, as well as the type of IP protection that is most suitable for each asset.

The next step is to file applications in all relevant jurisdictions, keeping in mind that IP rights are typically national in scope. Canada is part of the PCT and Madrid systems which streamlines the foreign filing process.

Another critical step is to implement internal protection measures, including establishing policies for labelling confidential documents, managing access to sensitive data, and ensuring staff are aware of their obligations regarding trade secrets.

Finally, regular reviews of the marketplace for potential infringement are essential for maintaining intact IP rights. 

Special considerations for mining companies

By their very nature and the sheer scale of start-up costs, mining ventures often involve partnerships or joint ventures (JV), adding another layer of complexity.

  • Collaborative projects: Clearly define IP ownership and licensing rights in all agreements.
  • Exit strategy: Address consequences of termination including return of confidential information and cessation of IP licenses.
  • Ownership of Pre-Existing IP: Often mining companies bring pre-existing IP to the JV or partnership. It is important for each party to Identify and document all background IP contributed by each partner, and to clarify whether such IP is licensed to the JV/partnership or assigned outright. Moreover, clear terms must be set on the scope, duration, and limitations of use for background IP.
  • Creation and Ownership of New IP: Mining operations often generate new IP through collaborative research, exploration, or development activities. It is important to determine what the ownership structure will be for any jointly developed IP. Discussions should also include an understanding as to how costs and responsibilities will be allocated in respect of IP protection and enforcement.
  • Use and Exploitation of New IP: Once new IP has been developed, how will the partners and the JV entity use, licence, or commercialize the newly created IP? Will there by any restrictions on use, including geographical territories and time frame? How will royalties be shared?
  • Confidentiality and Trade Secrets: Mining projects often rely on proprietary data and know-how. Protect sensitive technical and commercial information, and define obligations for handling, disclosing, and safeguarding trade secrets during and after the partnership.

Conclusion

Proactive steps must always be taken to obtain on-the-ground and in-region patents, trademarks, and other IP rights, in each country where operations are planned. Companies should also be mindful of regional regulatory frameworks, language barriers, cultural sensitivities and potential risks associated with public disclosure or enforcement difficulties. Developing comprehensive strategies—including confidentiality agreements with regional partners, robust internal protocols, and regular audits of IP portfolios—can help safeguard valuable innovations and maintain a competitive edge in Latin America's mining sector.