On 13th December 2024, a pivotal validation agreement was signed between Costa Rica and EPO. Under the validation agreement, European patents validated in Costa Rica will have the same effect and be subject to the same conditions as national patents.
Once in force, the agreement will streamline access to the Costa Rican market for European patent applicants, thereby encouraging trade, technology transfer and foreign direct investment.
Costa Rica is the seventh country to sign a validation agreement with the EPO, following Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia, Georgia and Laos. It is also the first country in Americas that establishes such connection with EPO.
Information source: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/costa-rica-signs-historic-validation-agreement