Category: Intelectual Property

Trademark in Costa Rica – Protect Your Brand & Name in 2025

Jun 10, 2025 | Intelectual Property

🛡️ Trademark in Costa Rica: Guide After the Company Name Reform

With the 2025 reform in Costa Rica, registering your trademark and your commercial name has become essential to protect your brand identity and business entity legally.

✅ What Is a Trademark in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, a trademark is any word, logo, image, figure or sign—or combination thereof—that distinguishes goods or services in the marketplace. The registration process is conducted through the Industrial Property Registry.

  • Word marks (denominative)
  • Figurative marks (logos)
  • Mixed marks (word + image)
  • Three-dimensional or olfactory marks

🔎 Why You Must Register Both Trademark and Commercial Name

Post-reform, newly formed companies can no longer include a trade name in their articles of incorporation—making registration of a commercial name the only legal way to protect your company identity.

A trademark protects your products and services, while a commercial name protects the business entity itself—whether it’s a physical store or an online venture.

  • 🛡️ Exclusive legal protection
  • 🌎 Clear market identity
  • 💰 Intangible asset with commercial value
  • 📄 Enables licensing, franchising and regional expansion

📝 Trademark vs. Commercial Name: Key Differences

FeatureTrademarkCommercial Name
ObjectProducts/ServicesBusiness or Company
RegistryIndustrial Property RegistryIndustrial Property Registry
Duration10 years (renewable)Unlimited while in use
ProtectionAgainst similar marksAgainst confusingly similar names

🏛️ How to Register Your Trademark in Costa Rica

AG Legal recommends professional legal assistance before investing in branding, packaging or advertising. Our IP team handles:

  1. Prior search in the National Registry
  2. Filing application with Industrial Property Registry
  3. Publication in La Gaceta for two months
  4. Handling objections or appeals
  5. Issuance of ownership certificate

📚 Legal Basis & Name Protection

Under Article 2 of the Trademark Law, a commercial name identifies and distinguishes a business. Article 66 allows enforcement actions against confusingly similar names.

With the Company Name Reform of 2025, legal protection of your commercial name is essential to maintain exclusivity in the marketplace.

💼 AG Legal: Your IP Partner in Costa Rica

AG Legal offers comprehensive legal services for trademark and commercial name registration, protection against infringements, and regional filings across Central America.

Need Assistance Registering a Trademark in Costa Rica?

Let AG Legal guide your application, opposition handling, and corporate name protections with confidence and legal efficiency.

Contact AG Legal Today

Costa Rica Brand Protection: Expert guide for Trademarks

Mar 26, 2025 | Intelectual Property

🛡️ Brand Protection in Costa Rica: Safeguard Your Trademark from Counterfeit Products

Your company has invested time, money, and effort building a unique brand—a strong identity through marketing, advertising, web presence, and consumer trust. Yet in Costa Rica, counterfeiters may be exploiting your brand by printing your mark on illegal products.

These counterfeit items are not just unlawful—they are dangerous. Made with substandard materials, they mislead consumers, harm your brand’s reputation, and undermine the quality your customers expect.

Counterfeiters show no regard for labor laws, taxes, or product safety—they only profit off your brand’s reputation with toxic, cheaply-made goods.

✅ Why Brand Protection in Costa Rica Matters

  • Registering your mark grants you exclusive legal rights to its use.
  • Prevents unauthorized use and safeguards your quality standards.
  • Mitigates risks of unfair competition and preserves consumer trust.

🚨 Raids on Counterfeit Sellers and Associated Crimes

Costa Rican authorities with support of our legal team have conducted raids on retail stores selling counterfeit goods—especially counterfeit athletic sneakers bearing top-brand logos. These interventions aim to eradicate the black market and address related crimes such as customs corruption, human trafficking, drug distribution, and employment without social security or safety insurance.

Counterfeit products often contain toxic materials. Studies show they cannot be safely recycled—even for items like school desks—due to hazardous chemical composition. Risks include deformities in developing children’s feet, injuries in adults from poor shoe design, and longer-term toxicological harm.

While these products may seem inexpensive, the societal, environmental, and health costs far outweigh any short-term savings.

⚖️ Legal Framework: Counterfeiting as a Criminal Offense

Costa Rica’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Act classifies the counterfeiting, sale, storage, or distribution of fake products as a criminal offense. Convictions may result in penalties of up to five years in prison.

Although it’s a public offense, prosecutions require a formal complaint from the victim—typically the trademark owner or its legal representative—to activate the process.

To file a complaint, your trademark must be registered and you must present evidence proving that the product is counterfeit. You don’t need to know the identity of the infringer—Costa Rican prosecutors will investigate with the authority provided by law.

🔍 Collaboration: Brand Owners & Prosecutors

  • The trademark owner must formally submit a complaint to initiate prosecution.
  • AG Legal works closely with authorities to conduct civil and criminal proceedings.
  • This partnership strengthens enforcement and better protects consumers and rights holders.

📝 Trademark Registration & Enforcement Process

  1. Register your trademark with the Industrial Property Registry.
  2. Conduct prior clearance searches for similarity conflicts.
  3. File the application and maintain follow-up until grant.
  4. Monitor marketplace to detect counterfeit use.
  5. Bring administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement actions as needed.

AG Legal delivers integrated brand protection strategies from registration to enforcement and operational support.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

What health risks do counterfeit products pose?
They often contain toxic substances leading to foot deformities, injuries, and environmental hazards.
Can I file a trademark complaint without naming the infringer?
Yes—if your mark is registered and you provide evidence, prosecutors can investigate and identify the infringer.
Do raids on counterfeit sellers work?
Yes—these operations dismantle illicit networks, curb consumer risk, and enforce brand integrity.

🤝 Why Choose AG Legal as Your Brand Protection Partner?

  • Over 15 years’ experience protecting global brands.
  • Direct coordination with Costa Rican prosecutors and officials.
  • Bilingual legal team with international IP litigation expertise.

Protect Your Brand and Your Customers Today

From trademark registration to enforcement and legal complaints, AG Legal offers full support to defend your brand.

Contact AG Legal Today

Hiring a Lawyer in Costa Rica

Dec 25, 2022 | Commercial Law, Criminal Law, General, Inmigration Law, Intelectual Property

The importance of hiring a lawyer in Costa Rica cannot be overstated. The legal system in Costa Rica can be complex, and having a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your legal matter.

Whether you are involved in a court case, negotiating a contract, immigrating to this beautiful country, or need advice on a legal issue, having a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and legal processes in Costa Rica can be invaluable. A good lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

But how do you go about hiring a lawyer in Costa Rica? The process can initially seem intimidating, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know what to do. Here are some critical steps to follow:

  1. Determine your legal needs: Before looking for a lawyer, you must understand what kind of legal assistance you need. Do you need a lawyer to help you with a specific legal issue, such as drafting a will, negotiating a contract, or ongoing legal representation in a court case? Understanding your legal needs will help you find the right lawyer.
  2. Research and compare lawyers: Once you know what kind of legal assistance you need, it’s time to start researching and comparing lawyers. You can do this through online directories, recommendations from friends or family, or by contacting the Costa Rican Bar Association.
  3. Understand the different types of agreements on legal fees: When hiring a lawyer in Costa Rica, you will likely be asked to enter into three different types of agreements: a contingency fee agreement, a flat fee agreement, or an hourly fee agreement.
  4. Sign the agreement: Once you have agreed to the terms of the agreement, it’s time to sign the contract and formally retain the lawyer’s services or at least to have some written support.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have a qualified and experienced lawyer to help you navigate the legal system in Costa Rica and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring a good lawyer – it can make all the difference in the world.

Is it necessary for the lawyer to be in a Law Firm?

In Costa Rica, a lawyer is not necessarily required to be part of a law firm to practice law. Lawyers in Costa Rica can choose to work independently or as part of both options. Have pros and cons to both options.

Working independently can give a lawyer more flexibility and control over their practice. Still, it can also be more challenging to build a client base and handle complex legal matters without the support of a team.

On the other hand, working as part of a law firm can provide access to resources and expertise that may not be available to an independent lawyer.

What is essential is to hire a good law firm in Costa Rica and verify that the lawyer is duly accepted in the bar of attorneys; sometimes, in our law firm, we have seen cases where because of the lack of verification, the client ended up involved in a big legal mess since that person who you think is a lawyer is not a person licensed to practice law.

We will analyze the most usual areas of law where the attorneys are consulted.

When do I need a Real Estate Attorney?

There are several situations where you may need to hire a real estate attorney in Costa Rica. Some common reasons to seek the services of a real estate attorney include the following:

  • Buying real estate: If you are buying or selling real estate in Costa Rica, the real estate attorney shall check the property before the Public Registry to check the historical movements on the title of the property, review the documents, and represent you in the transaction.
  • Reviewing and negotiating contracts: If you are entering a real estate agreement, such as a lease or purchase agreement, a real estate attorney can review the terms and negotiate any changes on your behalf.
  • Resolving disputes: If you are involved in a real estate dispute, such as a boundary dispute or a dispute over the terms of a contract, a real estate attorney can represent you in court and help you resolve the dispute.
  • Obtaining financing: If you need financing to purchase real estate in Costa Rica, a real estate attorney can help you negotiate the terms of the loan and review any related documents.
  • In Costa Rica, most Real Estate attorneys are notary publics, which means that usually, in any real estate transaction where the property title is transferred, you will need a notary public.

Overall, if you are involved in any real estate transaction or dispute in Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a real estate attorney to protect your interests and ensure that the transaction is handled correctly.

When do I need an Immigration Attorney?

If you are planning to move to Costa Rica or are already living in, you will need help with immigration issues; you may consider hiring an immigration attorney. Here are some everyday situations in which you might need an good legal service:

  1. Applying for a visa: If you are planning to visit, work, or study in Costa Rica, you may need to apply for a visa. An immigration attorney can help you determine which type of visa is best for your situation, help you gather the required documentation, and guide you through the application process.
  2. Plan permanent residence: Ipermanentlyo live in Costa Rica permanently, you will need permanent residence. Permanently can help you understand the requirements for obtaining permanent residency and assist you with applying.
  3. Renewing your visa or residence permit: If your visa or residence permit expires, you will need to renew it to continue living in Costa Rica. An immigration attorney can help you understand the renewal process and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
  4. Applying for citizenship: If you are eligible and wish to become a citizen of Costa Rica, an immigration attorney can help you understand the requirements and assist you with the application process.
  5. Resolving immigration problems: If you have problems with your immigration status in Costa Rica, such as being denied a visa or facing deportation, an immigration attorney can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in the legal proceedings.
  6. Retirement plan: if you plan to retire in Costa Rica, hiring a good attorney must be your first step.

The Importance of hiring a good Corporate Lawyer.

Hiring a good corporate lawyer in Costa Rica is essential for businesses of all sizes and types. A corporate lawyer can provide valuable legal guidance, explaining to you the business law and representation for a wide range of business-related issues, including:

  1. Formation of the business: If you are starting a new business in Costa Rica, a corporate lawyer can help you choose the proper legal structure for your business, such as the type of corporation, partnership, and assist you with the formation process.
  2. Compliance with laws and regulations: A lawyer who knows corporate law can help ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws and regulations in Costa Rica, including tax laws, labor laws, and environmental regulations.
  3. Contract review and negotiation: You can review and negotiate contracts for your business, including agreements with vendors and customers.
  4. Risk management: A corporate lawyer can help identify and manage legal risks that may affect your business, such as liability risks or intellectual property issues.
  5. Investment: Also, if you are investing, you need to double-check who you are dealing with; a corporate attorney can help you to decide if it is a good or bad investment.
  6. Trademark: It is essential to register your brand or logo before starting to operate.

Overall, getting the correct legal service, and getting the right legal guide to Costa Rica, can be the difference between having a successful start in a foreign country like Costa Rica.

Embassies Attorneys list

Even though Spanish is the official language, you can find lawyers who speak English, so at least two embassies enlisted a list of law firms and attorneys who speak English that can provide legal consultation for your local or international legal issues.

Intellectual Property Costa Rican Law

May 9, 2020 | Intelectual Property

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Although it is quite clear that Intellectual Property in Costa Rica had not reached the expected standards, with the signing of the Central America Free Trade Agreement with the United States, Intellectual Property is setting new paths to the protection of the rights of authors, patents and trademarks owners.

In addition to this, the Attorney General’s Office made a change in the politics regarding the prosecution of the Intellectual Property crimes, providing more protection to the victim. AG Abogados had an important role in this change of perspective, organizing training programs geared for Judges, Prosecutors and Judicial Investigators.

Costa Rica has currently enacted important regulations regarding the protection of copyrights and related rights, trademarks and all kinds of investments patents and utility.

Costa Rica has subscribed several International agreements such as the Niza Agreement, the Budapest Treaty, the Vienna Agreement, the Paris Settlement, the Rome Settlement, the Bern Settlement, the Lisbon Settlement, as well as different agreements of the WIPO, among others.

Furthermore, each area of Intellectual Property rights in Costa Rica is regulated by its own specific law. As examples we can mention: the Copyrights and Related Rights Law, Trademarks and Another Distinctive Signs Law, Undisclosed Information Law, Enforcement Procedures for the Copyrights Law, Investment Patents Law, Draws and Industrials Models Law, among several others.

Finally, the fundamental factor that provides the protection and security of copyright and related rights along with any other Intellectual Property in the area, is the existence of a Specialized Registry inside the National Public Registry, dedicated only to ensure to the protection of such rights.

Services provided by AG Legal

Our team of attorneys has extensive experience in Intellectual and Industrial Property Law, Copyrights and related, as well as all the International Normative and Commercial Treaties, related with all new protections in this matter. In the same way, we offer legal advice and support within disputes or any other matter related to intellectual and industrial property.

Among the services that we offer you can find the following:

  • Registration of trade names, brands, advertising signs, logos
  • Patents
  • Literary and artistic works
  • Software
  • Domains
  • Integrated circuits

And everything else that involves intellectual and industrial protection.

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