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Trademark registration in Costa Rica
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F.A.Q.
What are the timelines for registering a trademark in Costa Rica?

Registering a trademark with the National Registry of Industrial Property takes about 6–12 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 18 months.

 

 

Trademark Registration in Costa Rica

Whether you're a startup or an established multinational, ensuring that your brand is legally secured across markets prevents costly disputes, unauthorized use, and damage to your brand’s reputation.

Costa Rica has emerged as one of Central America’s most stable and business-friendly countries. With a growing economy, a strong legal framework, and a vibrant entrepreneurial environment, it represents a strategic market for companies expanding in Latin America. However, to operate safely and legally in Costa Rica, registering your trademark is a crucial step.

Why Register a Trademark in Costa Rica?

Trademark registration offers a multitude of benefits that go far beyond mere formalities. In Costa Rica, a registered trademark provides your business with vital legal and commercial advantages, including:

  • Legal Protection Against Copying: A registered mark ensures that no other party can legally use your brand name or tm logo trademark without your consent. This protection is crucial in markets where brand imitation is a common threat.

  • Exclusive Usage Rights: Registering your tm trademark logo grants you exclusive rights to use the brand across the country for the goods or services you specify.

  • Increased Brand and Company Value: A registered tm logo is considered an intangible asset and can significantly increase the value of your business in the eyes of investors, partners, and customers.

  • Opportunities for Licensing and Franchising: Owning a registered logo opens up the possibility of franchising your business or licensing your brand to others—generating new revenue streams.

  • Legal Advantage in Disputes: If another party tries to infringe your trademark, having an official registration mark provides a strong legal foundation to defend your rights in court or during administrative proceedings.

The Trademark Registration Process in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s trademark system is governed by the National Registry (Registro Nacional), specifically the Industrial Property Registry. The country follows a “first to file” system, meaning that rights are granted to the first party to register the trademark rather than the first to use it.

Here are the key steps in the trademark registration process:

1. Preliminary Trademark Name Search

Before submitting an application, conducting a trademark name search through the trade mark office search system is essential. This helps identify any existing or similar registered trademarks that may conflict with your application.

2. Application Filing

The application for tm registration must be submitted to the Industrial Property Registry. The following information is required:

  • Clear representation of the tm logo trademark or name

  • Full name and address of the applicant

  • Description of goods and/or services based on the Nice Classification

  • Priority claim documents (if applicable)

  • Payment of official fees

3. Formal Examination

The registry reviews the application for compliance with formal requirements. If everything is in order, the mark proceeds to the publication stage.

4. Publication and Opposition Period

The mark is published in the official bulletin. Third parties have a 2-month window to file objections if they believe your tm registration mark infringes on their existing rights.

5. Substantive Examination

If no oppositions are filed—or if oppositions are resolved in your favor—the application undergoes a detailed examination for distinctiveness, legality, and compliance with trademark law.

6. Trademark Certificate Issuance

If the mark passes all stages, a trademark registered logo certificate is issued. Your registered mark is now valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.

Required Documents

To file a trademark in Costa Rica, you’ll need:

  • A digital image of the logo (if applicable)

  • Applicant’s full name and address

  • A list of goods or services

  • Power of attorney (if represented by a third party)

  • Priority documents (if applicable)

Duration and Renewal

  • Initial Validity: 10 years from the registration date

  • Renewal: Renewable for successive 10-year periods

  • Grace Period: A six-month grace period is available for late renewals with additional fees

National Trademark Register

All trademark registrations are recorded in Costa Rica’s National Registry of Industrial Property, which maintains a searchable database for public verification. The tm register serves as proof of your rights and helps prevent infringement or duplication.

Challenges Without Professional Support

While Costa Rica’s registration system is well-structured, non-residents and new businesses may face various challenges:

  • Language barriers (Spanish documentation required)

  • Complex procedures in case of oppositions or rejections

  • Risk of filing errors that can lead to delays or denials

  • Legal complexity in defending against third-party objections

How ProfitMark Can Help You Register Your Trademark

ProfitMark offers full-service support for businesses looking to register their tm logo or brand in Costa Rica. Our services are designed to streamline the process and reduce risks:

  • End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to obtaining your trademark certificate, we manage every step.

  • Trademark Search & Analysis: We perform an in-depth trade mark office search to ensure your brand is unique and eligible for registered trademark status.

  • Remote Filing: No need for personal presence—submit your documents online, and we’ll handle the rest.

  • Legal Representation: If your application faces opposition or disputes, our legal team will advocate for your tm trademark logo.

  • Transparent Pricing and Fixed Deadlines: You know what you’re paying and when your tm registration will be completed—no surprises.

Why Choose ProfitMark?

Clients trust ProfitMark for our experience, professionalism, and results:

  • Over 13 years of experience in international trademark registration

  • Successful trademark registered logo cases in more than 30 countries

  • A team of international experts with legal and technical expertise

  • Personalized, professional approach to every client

  • Online services make the entire process accessible and efficient

  • Quality guarantee on all trademark services

Don't postpone protecting your brand. A registered trademark in Costa Rica provides essential legal rights, boosts your brand’s value, and positions your business for long-term success in Central America.

With ProfitMark, the trademark process becomes simple, clear, and reliable.
Contact us today to start your tm registration in Costa Rica—your brand's future depends on it!