A significant milestone in the international protection of intellectual property: Costa Rica has joined the European Patent Convention (EPC). The accession will take effect on January 1, 2025. From this date, it will be possible to validate granted European patents in Costa Rica.
The validation process follows a national procedure, similar to the process practiced in other non-EPC countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. Once the formalities are completed, the European patent will enjoy the same protection in Costa Rica as a nationally granted patent.
This development offers advantages for businesses and inventors: They can extend European patents to the Central American market without additional granting procedures and at low cost.
Our firm would be glad to assist you with the validation of your European patents in Costa Rica and to advise you on the legal and administrative requirements.
Costa Rica may not geographically belong to Europe, but it is now part of the European patent system.