Trademark Registration in Costa Rica: Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in Costa Rica are administered by the Industrial Property Registry, which operates under the National Registry. The authority is responsible for the filing, examination, publication, opposition, and registration of trademarks. The system follows a first-to-file principle and includes both formal and substantive examination, ensuring compliance with legal and distinctiveness requirements before publication.
On this page
Introduction
Costa Rica is a stable and business-friendly economy in Central America, known for its strong legal framework and openness to foreign investment. With growing sectors in tourism, technology, and manufacturing, the country presents valuable opportunities for brand expansion. Securing trademark protection in Costa Rica is an important step for businesses aiming to establish a presence in the Central American market.
Why register your trademark in Costa Rica
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Costa Rica.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the National Registry (Registro Nacional) and Costa Rican courts.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Costa Rica.
Market Positioning
Strengthens brand identity, builds consumer trust, and enhances competitive advantage in Costa Rica’s growing and stable market.
Our trademark services in Costa Rica
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in Costa Rica.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Costa Rica trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Costa Rica trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Costa Rica trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Costa Rica.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Costa Rica brand.
Trademark registration process in Costa Rica
Here is how to register a trademark in Costa Rica, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Costa Rica
Filing
Trademark applications are filed with the Industrial Property Registry, including applicant details, representation of the mark, and specification of goods/services under the Nice Classification.
Examination
The Registry conducts formal and substantive examination to assess compliance and registrability.
Publication
If accepted, the trademark application is published in the Official Gazette.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 2 months from the date of publication.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if opposition proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are protected for 10 years from the date of registration and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Costa Rica
Trademark details and logo (if applicable)
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Priority document (if priority is claimed)
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 6–10 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.
Validity and renewal
Trademarks are protected for 10 years from the date of registration and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in Costa Rica is governed by the Trademark and Other Distinctive Signs Law (Law No. 7978). The Industrial Property Registry, under the National Registry of Costa Rica, is the competent authority responsible for trademark administration and registration.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
We cover 190+ countries and regional offices. See every country we cover.
Register your trademark in Costa Rica today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Costa Rica. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
