Area of law

Intellectual property and Branding Protection

We specialize in safeguarding your intellectual property assets and ensuring robust brand protection in Costa Rica.

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Intellectual property and Branding Protection
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Protect your brand and innovations with AG Legal’s expert intellectual property services

Intellectual Property and Brand Protection in Costa Rica

AG Legal’s Intellectual Property practice protects brands, innovations, and creative works in Costa Rica — for local companies and for international clients who need a trusted correspondent in a country that is not part of the Madrid Protocol. We handle registrations, enforcement, and portfolio management with the precision that serious IP work demands.

Why Costa Rica requires separate attention: an international trademark registration through WIPO does not extend here. Every brand that operates in or sells into Costa Rica needs a national filing — and foreign applicants must work through local counsel. That is the foundation of everything we do in IP.

Need to protect or enforce a brand in Costa Rica?

CONTACT OUR IP TEAM

What we do

Trademark Registration

Clearance searches, national filings, opposition defense, and multi-class strategies. For local businesses and foreign brands filing in Costa Rica for the first time.

Read the registration guide →

Anti-Counterfeiting & Enforcement

Market investigations, controlled purchases, coordinated operations, border measures, and criminal prosecution. We protect brands against organized counterfeiting.

Read the enforcement guide →

Nice Classification

Validation of goods and services against the official classification, multi-class strategy, and class-gap analysis to close protection gaps competitors can exploit.

Use the class finder tool →

Commercial Names

Registration and protection of commercial names after the 2025 reform (Law 10729) eliminated the company name for S.A. and S.R.L. The commercial name is now the primary legal identity.

Read about the reform →

Renewals & Portfolio Management

Tracking and renewing registrations on their ten-year cycles, monitoring third-party filings, and managing cancellation risks for marks unused in Costa Rica.

Copyrights & Software

Registration and enforcement of copyrights, software protection, licensing agreements, and defense of creative works and digital assets.

For international clients and IP firms

Costa Rica is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. This means that every trademark in your client’s international portfolio that needs protection here requires a separate national filing — managed by local counsel who is authorized to act before the Registry.

AG Legal serves as correspondent counsel for IP firms and corporate legal departments across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The relationship covers:

  • National trademark filings and prosecution
  • Opposition and cancellation proceedings
  • Renewal management across portfolios
  • Anti-counterfeiting investigations and coordinated enforcement
  • Commercial name registrations under the 2025 reform
  • Due diligence for IP assets in M&A transactions

All matters are handled confidentially. AG Legal does not disclose client identities or details of ongoing operations.

Why AG Legal for intellectual property

25+ years of practice.

AG Legal was founded in 2000 and has handled IP matters for local and international clients since then.

Recognized internationally.

IFLR1000 recognized. Contributor to Chambers Global Practice Guides. Member of The Law Firm Network.

Full-service IP + corporate.

IP does not exist in a vacuum. Our corporate, tax, and immigration teams support the business context around your brand.

Enforcement track record.

Coordinated anti-counterfeiting operations, border measures, and criminal prosecution — with publicly documented results.

IP team

Rocío Quirós Arroyo

Partner · Intellectual Property

Leads trademark registration, enforcement, and anti-counterfeiting. Correspondent counsel for international IP firms.

View profile →

Common questions

Does my international trademark cover Costa Rica?
No. Costa Rica is not in the Madrid Protocol. You need a separate national registration.
Can AG Legal act as correspondent counsel for my firm?
Yes. We serve as local correspondent for IP firms and corporate legal departments across the US, Europe, and Latin America, handling filings, prosecution, renewals, and enforcement.
What types of IP can be protected in Costa Rica?
Trademarks, commercial names, patents, utility models, industrial designs, copyrights, trade secrets, and software.
Do you handle anti-counterfeiting enforcement?
Yes. Market investigations, coordinated operations, border measures, criminal prosecution, and civil damages — from evidence gathering to courtroom results.

Protect your brand in Costa Rica

Whether you are registering for the first time, enforcing against counterfeits, or managing a portfolio through local counsel — AG Legal’s IP team is built for it.

TALK TO AG LEGAL

IP resources

This page describes AG Legal’s intellectual property practice. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each matter.

HOW IT WORKS

Getting started is easy.

Dedicated to fighting for your rights with results that matter.

1

Send us your case

Start with AG Legal—it’s simple to submit your case for an evaluation.

2

We analyze your case

Our experienced team thoroughly investigates your case to build a strong strategy.

3

We handle the process

We are committed to achieving the best possible results for you.

PRACTICE AREAS

Expert international legal services with over 25 years of experience.

Specializing in business law, investment guidance, and comprehensive legal solutions for clients worldwide.

Legal representation for a wide range of practice areas: Dedicated to providing effective solutions.

$6 billion +

Representing clients in matters exceeding

3,705 +

Cases

52 +

Countries Clients

729

Corporate Clients

FAQS

How do I register a trademark in Costa Rica as a U.S. business?

To register a trademark in Costa Rica as a U.S. company, you must file an application with the Costa Rican Trademark Office (Registro de la Propiedad Industrial). The process involves a formal examination, publication in the official gazette, and a 2-month opposition period. If no objections are filed, registration is granted for 10 years and is renewable. AG Legal assists U.S. clients throughout this process, ensuring full compliance with local legal requirements and international standards.

Is my U.S. trademark valid in Costa Rica?

No, a U.S. trademark is not automatically valid in Costa Rica. Trademark rights are territorial, meaning you must register your trademark in Costa Rica to obtain legal protection there. Without local registration, your brand may be vulnerable to unauthorized use or infringement. AG Legal offers legal support to secure trademark rights in Costa Rica, helping U.S. businesses safeguard their brand internationally.

What intellectual property rights can I protect in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, you can protect a wide range of intellectual property (IP) rights, including: Trademarks and trade names Patents and utility models Copyrights and related rights Industrial designs Trade secrets

Why should I register my brand in Costa Rica before expanding my business?

Registering your brand in Costa Rica before market entry gives you exclusive rights to use your trademark, prevents others from registering similar marks, and facilitates enforcement in case of infringement. It also builds brand credibility and helps avoid legal disputes. AG Legal advises foreign companies on proactive brand protection strategies to support safe and successful expansion into the Costa Rican market.

What should I do if my product is being counterfeited in Costa Rica?

If you suspect that your product is being counterfeited in Costa Rica, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your intellectual property. Start by collecting any available evidence of the counterfeit activity, such as product samples, photos, or online listings. Legal options may include cease-and-desist letters, administrative actions, civil litigation, or customs enforcement measures. Working with a local law firm experienced in intellectual property law—such as AG Legal—can help ensure that the appropriate legal channels are followed effectively. With knowledge of local regulations and enforcement procedures, we can support you in addressing infringement and protecting your brand in the Costa Rican market.