Costa Rica signs historic validation agreement
Gerald Campos Valverde, Minister of Justice and Peace, Costa Rica and EPO President António Campinos
Pivotal agreement strengthens collaboration and streamlines market access for European patent holders, promoting innovation and investment in Costa Rica
Today, European Patent Office President António Campinos welcomed a delegation from Costa Rica, led by the Minister of Justice and Peace Gerald Campos Valverde, for the signing of a landmark validation agreement. This milestone marks the culmination of extensive technical collaboration and over a year of discussions.
During the signing ceremony President Campinos said, “This agreement symbolises a bridge between continents and constitutes a significant milestone that not only reflects the commitment of both parties to strengthen innovation and intellectual property protection, but also opens new doors for trade, invention and technological development.”
Costa Rica is the seventh country to sign a validation agreement with the EPO, following Morocco, Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia, Georgia and Laos.
Minister Campos Valverde expressed that his country’s entry into the validation system represents, “a milestone that will enable us to strengthen relations between both parties, promote innovation, and drive economic growth in the Republic of Costa Rica."
A breakthrough in the Americas
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.
Further information
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