Gain a clear understanding of the Dominican Republic trademark search and registration process
Though exciting, expanding into a new market is also challenging for companies, and it’s important to make every effort to protect the returns on their investments by law. Intellectual property rights in the Dominican Republic are Constitutionally protected. Article 52 of the country’s Constitution identifies creators’ exclusive rights over their ideas, inventions, trademarks and distinctive signs.
Dominican Republic trademark search and registration
There are several steps to register your trademark in the Dominican Republic. Once completed, your trademark is valid for a period of 10 years. It’s important to understand which local government authorities manage trademark registration in the Dominican Republic, and the laws that govern them. The Dominican Republic’s trademark office is called the National Office for Industrial Property. This is known locally as the Oficina Nacional de la Propiedad Industrial (ONAPI). This agency is a branch of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The ONAPI governs the trademark registration process in the Dominican Republic for trademarks, industrial designs, trade names, signs, logos, inventions, utility models, and geographical indications and designations of origin.
Dominican Republic trademark registration process
Crucially, the first step to register a trademark in the Dominican Republic is to familiarize yourself with local trademark laws, and what you can register a trademark for. There are two main pieces of legislation that provide the framework for protecting intellectual property in the Dominican Republic: Ley No. 20-00, Ley Sobre Propiedad Industrial (Industrial Property Law) and Ley No. 65-00, Ley Sobre Derecho De Autor (Copyright Law).
Steps to register a trademark in Dominican Republic
- Understand local Industrial Property laws
- Sign a Power of Attorney document
- Conduct a Dominican Republic trademark search
- Prepare and submit your application
- ONAPI evaluates and publishes your application
Click here for Common Asked Questions for Trademark Registration in Dominican Republic.
