EPO and Costa Rica Sign Historic Validation Agreement

On December 13, 2024, the European Patent Office (EPO) and Costa Rica's Ministry of Justice and Peace signed a landmark validation agreement, making Costa Rica the first country in the Americas to join the EPO's validation system.

Source: EPO

This agreement allows European patents to be recognised as national patents in Costa Rica upon payment of a validation fee. Once in force, European patent holders will enjoy simplified access to the Costa Rican market, promoting trade, technology transfer, and foreign direct investment.

Costa Rica is the seventh country to sign such an agreement with the EPO, following Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia, Georgia, and Laos. This development enables applicants to obtain patent protection in Costa Rica using the same procedure as in the EPO's 39 member states and one extension state.

The effective date of the agreement has not yet been announced. However, once implemented, it will allow a single European patent application to potentially cover up to 47 countries, streamlining processes and expanding opportunities for innovation and economic growth in Costa Rica.