Americas

Costa Rica

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Costa Rica.

Authority

RNPICR

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Non-member

RNPICR Search

Get a Costa Rica Quote Ask an Expert

Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Costa Rica
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has Central America's best business environment; high-tech manufacturing (medical devices, electronics) is growing rapidly. IP managed by RNPICR. 20-year patents; PCT national phase **30 months** (note: shorter than most countries). Costa Rica is **NOT a Madrid Protocol member** — trademarks must be filed directly.

Costa Rican Patent System ▾

RNPICR examination; 20-year patents; 10-year utility models (no examination). PCT deadline is **only 30 months** — note this is shorter than standard. Spanish required.

Source: RNPICR; WIPO PCT Guide — CR

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Costa Rica

Costa Rican trademarks examined by RNPICR; 10-year term; renewable. **Madrid Protocol NOT applicable.** Direct filing required.

Trademark Application ▾

Direct RNPICR filing in Spanish; 10-year term. Madrid NOT available.

Source: RNPICR

Patent Annuity

Costa Rica Patent Annuities

Annual annuities; grace period available.

Source: RNPICR fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Costa Rica Trademark Renewals

10-year trademark; renew before expiry; grace period.

Source: RNPICR

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Costa Rica IP

What is the PCT deadline for Costa Rica? ▾

Costa Rica's PCT national phase deadline is **30 months** — shorter than the standard 31 months in most countries. Pay special attention to this.

Is Costa Rica a Madrid Protocol member? ▾

No. Direct national trademark filing with RNPICR required.

Does Costa Rica have utility model protection? ▾

Yes, 10-year term; no substantive examination.

What language is required? ▾

Spanish.

How is IP protection for high-tech industries in Costa Rica? ▾

Costa Rica has attracted significant high-tech manufacturing and services investment; its IP framework is relatively strong compared to other Central American countries.

Is a local agent required in Costa Rica? ▾

Foreign applicants must use a locally registered agent at RNPICR.

Is there a trademark use requirement in Costa Rica? ▾

Yes, non-use within 5 years may lead to revocation.

Has Costa Rica signed CAFTA-DR? ▾

Yes, Costa Rica implemented CAFTA-DR in 2009, which imposes enhanced IP protection requirements.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

RNPICR Official Website www.rnpicr.go.cr WIPO — Costa Rica www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=40

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

Need IP assistance in Costa Rica?

Use our quote tool for an estimate, or contact our experts directly.

Get a Quote → Contact Us