Trademark registration in the Dominican Republic 2025

Trademark Registration in the Dominican Republic is an essential step in granting legal protection to distinctive signs that identify products, services, or commercial establishments. A thorough understanding of this process allows entrepreneurs and businesses to protect their intellectual property, avoid legal conflicts, and strengthen their market positioning.

Below, you’ll find a practical guide summarizing the requirements, costs, deadlines, and tips for registering a trademark in the country, in accordance with Law No. 20-00 on Industrial Property and the guidelines of the National Industrial Property Office (ONAPI) .

Requirements for trademark registration in the Dominican Republic

To begin the process of a tademark Registration in the Dominican Republic , you must gather the following documentation:

• Full name and details of the applicant (natural or legal person).
• Applicant’s address.
• Name and/or clear representation of the brand (name, logo).
• Indication of the products or services to be protected (Nice Classification).
• Foreign priority document (if applicable).
• Power of attorney (does not require notarization or legalization).
• Payment of the corresponding fees.

Step-by-step guide to the trademark registration process in the Dominican Republic

1. Application submission : to ONAPI in person or online, including the Nice class.
2. Payment of fees : vary depending on the type of trademark (word, figurative or mixed) and number of classes.
3. Formal examination : ONAPI reviews within 2 to 5 business days whether the documentation is complete (art. 75 Law 20-00).
4. Corrections : If information is missing, the applicant has 30 business days to correct it.
5. Substantive examination : it is verified that the trademark does not fall into the prohibitions of articles 73 and 74 (lack of distinctiveness, generic character, conflict with registered trademarks, etc.).
6. Notification of objections : The applicant has 60 business days to respond, modify or withdraw the application.
7. Approval letter : issued in 1 to 2 weeks, allowing a 30-day period to pay for the publication.
8. Publication in the Official Gazette : issued twice a month.
9. Third-party opposition : 45 working days to submit a reasoned opposition (art. 77).
10. Final resolution : If there is no opposition, ONAPI grants the certificate in 1 to 2 additional weeks.

Estimated time of trademark registration

Under normal conditions, the trademark registration process in the Dominican Republic takes between 3 and 4 months , from the application to the issuance of the certificate, provided there are no objections or oppositions from ONAPI.

Practical tips to avoid rejections

• Avoid generic or descriptive signs such as “Rico Queso” (art. 73).
• Conduct a prior search in ONAPI to rule out similarities with existing trademarks (art. 74).
• Correctly classifies according to the Nice Classification.
• Do not use official symbols (flags, shields, etc.).
• Always respond to objections in a timely manner; you can request an extension of up to six months by paying the corresponding fee.

Validity and renewals of trademark registration

• The registration has a duration of 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
• It is not necessary to prove use when renewing, but the trademark may be cancelled if it is not used for a period of 3 consecutive years (art. 93).
• It is the owner’s responsibility to monitor deadlines, as ONAPI does not notify expiration dates.
• Renewal can be requested 6 months before expiration or within 6 months after expiration with a late fee.

Other relevant aspects of trademark registration

• Multi-class system : multiple classes can be registered in a single application.
• International priority : applicable to prior applications in member countries of the Paris Convention.
• Modifications : changes in ownership, mergers or transfers must be formally registered with ONAPI.
• Collective and certification marks : provided for in Law 20-00 for associations and to guarantee the quality or origin of products.

Useful resources on trademark registration in the Dominican Republic

• ONAPI – National Industrial Property Office
• WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization

You can also read our article on tax and customs incentives in free trade zones to learn about the country’s other competitive advantages.

Conclusion

Registering a trademark in the Dominican Republic is an essential tool for protecting your ideas and ensuring your business grows with legal certainty. By complying with legal requirements, anticipating potential objections, and securing expert advice, you can reduce risks and ensure lasting protection.

Ready to take the next step? Check out our practical guide to the trademark registration process in the Dominican Republic and protect your intellectual property with confidence.