EPO Nears Patent Validation Agreement with Costa Rica

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The European Patent Office (EPO) and the government of Costa Rica are making strides towards finalizing a validation agreement that would extend EPO patent rights into Costa Rica. Notably, this agreement would mark the first time EPO patent validation extends beyond Europe, with Costa Rica poised to become the first non-European country to offer this option.

In a recent meeting held at the EPO’s headquarters in Munich, representatives from both parties discussed the progress in negotiations that began earlier in October. This gathering marked an important step forward, following the EPO Administrative Council’s approval of formal talks aimed at exploring the potential for patent validation within Costa Rica.

This partnership holds the promise of enhancing Costa Rica’s reputation as a business-friendly and innovation-driven country. By joining the EPO validation system, Costa Rica would enable inventors to protect their patents locally under Costa Rican law while benefiting from the established patent grant process of the EPO. Representatives from Costa Rica emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for international business and investment, viewing the validation system as a tool to attract both foreign and domestic investment. This system would streamline technology transfer, support economic growth, and solidify Costa Rica’s role in global innovation.

The EPO’s validation framework aligns closely with Costa Rica’s ambitions. The agreement would allow Costa Rica to welcome a broader range of international businesses and innovators by offering patent protection through the EPO, while maintaining full control over validated patents within its jurisdiction. This partnership also opens doors for future collaboration in innovation and intellectual property, underscoring the mutual commitment between the EPO and Costa Rica to stimulate investment and elevate Costa Rica’s global profile in technology and innovation.

More information can be found at the link below:

https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-and-costa-rica-continue-validation-agreement-talks

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