Intellectual Property in the Dominican Republic: Legal guide to protecting Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework governing intellectual property in the Dominican Republic, aimed at guiding entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses—both local and international—on how to effectively protect their intangible assets. It outlines the main protection mechanisms available, details the registration process before the National Office of
Invention Patents, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs: How to Protect Innovations in the Dominican Republic
Protecting innovations is essential to fostering creativity, investment, and competitiveness in the marketplace. In the Dominican Republic, Law No. 20-00 on Industrial Property establishes various legal mechanisms to protect inventions and designs. These mechanisms include invention patents, utility models, and industrial designs, each aimed at protecting different types of innovation.
Tax withholding in the Dominican Republic: A complete guide by tax type for businesses and professionals
Tax withholding or retention is a key tool in the Dominican tax system that allows the tax authority, General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), to ensure the early collection of taxes, both in local and international transactions. Understanding how withholdings work is essential for businesses, independent professionals, and other taxpayers
How to establish a Free Zone company in the Dominican Republic: Steps and legal Considerations
Free Zones in the Dominican Republic represent one of the most dynamic pillars of the national economy. According to figures from the National Free Zones Council (CNZFE), this regime contributes approximately 67% of the country's total exports, generates over 190,000 direct and indirect jobs, and, as of the end of
How to choose the ideal business entity for Doing Business in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, various business entities are available for establishing companies, each with its own characteristics, specific advantages, and particular limitations. The choice of the type of commercial entity will depend on multiple factors that must be carefully evaluated. Key aspects to consider include the required number of partners, the
The ITBIS in the Dominican Republic: A complete guide for businesses and professionals
The Impuesto sobre Transferencias de Bienes Industrializados y Servicios (ITBIS) is one of the fundamental pillars of the Dominican tax system. Similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) in other countries, this indirect tax applies to the commercialization of industrialized goods and the provision of services, serving as a key
Free Zones in the Dominican Republic: A complete guide to benefits, requirements, and opportunities
Free zones have been a key driver of economic development in the Dominican Republic, attracting foreign investment, generating employment, and strengthening exports. This sector has boosted industries such as textiles, medical device manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, BPO services, and technology, contributing over USD 8 billion in exports in 2024. Additionally, it has
Transforming the business sector with the new Green Taxonomy in the Dominican Republic
In recent years, sustainability has become a central issue on the agendas of governments, businesses, and international organizations. In line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 and the Paris Agreement, the Dominican Republic has taken a significant step forward with the implementation of the Green Taxonomy,
How to establish a Limited Liability Company (S.R.L.) in the Dominican Republic
A Limited Liability Company (S.R.L.) is one of the most widely used corporate structures in the Dominican Republic due to its balance between legal security and operational flexibility. General Law regulates it on Commercial Companies and Limited Liability Sole Proprietorships No. 479-08 and its amendments. This type of company allows multiple
Key aspects of severance pay and its regulation in the Dominican Republic
Severance pay (cesantía) is a fundamental labor right in the Dominican Republic, designed to provide financial support to employees whose employment contracts are unjustifiably terminated. This article explores the main aspects of severance pay, as well as the ongoing debate regarding potential Labor Code reforms that could impact this right. Definition