Category Archives: Analysis

The Arbitration Clause in Lease Agreements: Practical and Legal Implications of Not Excluding Eviction

Author Felipe Fernández Associate Costa Rica E-mail Arbitration clauses in real estate contracts have become increasingly common, primarily because of the advantages arbitration offers as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism: greater speed, confidentiality, and technical specialization of arbitrators. However, there are situations in which such a clause can be counterproductive and, instead of providing efficiency…

The Expert Committee in Major Public Works Tenders

Author Francisco Obando Director Costa Rica E-mail If you are planning to participate as a bidder in a major public works tender (such as highways, aqueducts, public buildings, ports, etc.), note that the Public Procurement Law (LGCP) requires the mandatory establishment of an Expert Committee as part of the dispute resolution mechanisms during contract execution….

Global Entry and Its Impact on the International Mobility of Costa Ricans

Author Natalia Solórzano Associate Costa Rica E-mail Global Entry and Its Impact on the International Mobility of Costa Ricans Costa Rica’s recent inclusion in the Global Entry program marks a significant shift in the dynamics of international mobility between the two countries. This agreement not only streamlines the entry process for frequent travelers to the…

ATENA System: A Step Forward in Costa Rica’s Customs Modernization

The Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) of Guatemala has introduced new provisions aimed at strengthening tax compliance and improving control mechanisms within the country. These measures include updates to reporting obligations, adjustments to existing procedures, and the implementation of new digital tools designed to facilitate interaction between taxpayers and the tax authority. The changes are…

New Companies in Costa Rica Will No Longer Have a Legal Name in Their Corporate Title

As of May 2025, a reform to Costa Rica’s Commercial Code has come into effect, eliminating the requirement for legal names (corporate name or trade name) for corporations (S.A.) and limited liability companies (S.R.L.). Under this reform, newly incorporated companies will be identified solely by their corporate identification number (cédula jurídica), which is automatically assigned…

The Importance of Due Diligence in a Successful Purchase and Sale Agreement

https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/La-importancia-del-DD_FOTO-Aurora-Solis.jpg Aurora Solís Senior Associate Costa Rica E-mail What is due diligence, and why does it matter? As a purchase and sale transaction approaches closing—whether involving a company, real estate, or other valuable asset—it is natural for the parties to want to finalize it quickly. However, in the rush to sign, a fundamental step is…

How to Mitigate the Impact of Tariffs Imposed by the United States

The U.S. Government, in its first 100 days in office, imposed new tariffs on other countries as a reciprocal measure that, in its view, would encourage the purchase of more products made in the United States, increase tax revenue, balance the negative trade disparities with other countries, and boost investment levels.  As a result of…

Employee Stock Plans and Their Deductibility in Income Tax (ISR): Key Considerations

Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Planes-de-Acciones-para-Empleados_FOTO-Elisa-Lacs.png Elisa Lacs Senior Associate Guatemala E-mail Employee stock plans, known as stock options or employee share ownership plans (ESOPs), are a strategic tool for attracting and retaining talent. However, their tax treatment in Guatemala raises questions about their deductibility under the Income Tax (ISR).  A key issue is whether these plans can be…

Smart Contracts in M&A

Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Articulo-Transacciones-de-Fusiones-y-Adquisiciones-MA_FOTO-Aurora-Solis.png Aurora Solís Senior Associate Costa Rica E-mail Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that automatically enforce the terms of specific arrangements between parties, such as buyers and sellers. These contracts are already being implemented across various commercial sectors, particularly in FinTech, through high-frequency trading, or in retail via online purchases with dynamic pricing.  In…

AI: A Catalyst for Creativity

Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Articulo-AI-A-Catalyst-for-Creativity_FOTO.png Orlando Cardoza Partner Nicaragua E-mail As has been the case with past technological advances, AI will become a “a tool for efficiency” for writers and creators, streamlining certain aspects of the creative process, and enabling them to focus on the emotional elements of their craft that only human creativity can achieve. While resistance…