Costa Rica and EPO sign European entry into force agreement

The EPO and Costa Rica have signed a landmark European Entry into Force Agreement. The important agreement strengthens cooperation, simplifies market access for European patent holders and promotes innovation and investment in Costa Rica. This is also the first time the EPO has signed such an agreement with an Atlantic country.

Costa Rica is the seventh country to sign a validation agreement with the European Patent Office, following Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia, Georgia and Laos.

According to the entry into force agreement, European patents valid in Costa Rica will have the same effect as domestic patents and be subject to the same conditions. Once in force, the agreement will greatly simplify the procedures for European patent applicants to enter the Costa Rican market, thereby encouraging trade, technology transfer and foreign direct investment.

Once the Agreement enters into force, any applicant who files a European patent application (or a PCT application designating Europe) will be able to seek protection in Costa Rica by paying the Costa Rican validation fee to the EPO within the same period as the designation fee and extension fee.