How to register a trademark in the Dominican Republic with ONAPI

    In the Dominican Republic, trademarks are registered with the National Industrial Property Office (ONAPI), under Law 20-00. Unlike other countries in the region, ONAPI accepts multi-class applications, with a base fee and a lower fee for each additional class. On top of the registration fee, the publication of the application is paid, and anyone domiciled abroad must act through an attorney-in-fact domiciled in the country.

    Trademark registration in Dominican Republic — procedure at a glance
    Competent officeONAPI — National Industrial Property Office
    Where to fileOnline, through the ONAPI services platform, or at its offices
    Local agent required?Yes for anyone domiciled or based outside the country: they must be represented by an attorney-in-fact domiciled in the Dominican Republic (art. 148, Law 20-00)
    Official feeDOP 5,720 for the first class · DOP 4,110 for each additional class · publication: DOP 1,210 (word mark) or DOP 1,645 (combined or figurative) — ONAPI fees in force since March 2023
    Prior-rights searchOfficial trademark search: DOP 600
    Third-party opposition period45 days from publication of the application notice (art. 80, Law 20-00) · opposition fee: DOP 3,545
    Term of registration10 years from grant, renewable for equal periods (arts. 81 and 82)
    Mandatory upkeepRenewal (DOP 3,305 plus DOP 1,210 for publication) within the 6 months before expiry, with a 6-month grace period and a surcharge of DOP 545 per month. Genuine use: if not used in the country for 3 consecutive years, any interested party may request cancellation (art. 93)
    Trademark Registration in the Dominican Republic

    Protect Your Brand in the Dominican Republic

    The trademark registration grants exclusive rights of use throughout the territory of the Dominican Republic, safeguards your commercial identity and blocks imitations or attempts to copy. Our law firm takes care of every stage of the process so you can focus on growing your business.

    What we do for you:

    • Prior analysis of the existence of similar marks
    • Technical study and classification according to Nice
    • Submission of the dossier
    • Management of oppositions or observations
    • Full follow-up to official award
    Intellectual Property Specialists in the Dominican Republic

    Our Trademark Registration Service in the Dominican Republic Includes

    Search for registry records to avoid rejections.

    Review and definition of the class according to products or services.

    Technical preparation of the file and presentation

    Answering oppositions, observations or objections.

    Advantages of Registering Your Trademark in the Dominican Republic

    Legal protection against copying or misuse.

    Exclusive right of use in the Dominican Republic

    Increased business value for your company or product.

    Possibility to license, franchise or sell your brand.

    Legal certainty to grow in new markets.

    Legal support from a firm with more than 80 years of experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration in the Dominican Republic

    How long does it take to register a trademark in the Dominican Republic?

    The process can take between 10 and 14 months, depending on objections or external opposition.

    Can I register my trademark in the Dominican Republic if I am already using it commercially?

    Yes. It is even advisable to do so as soon as possible to protect it legally and avoid future conflicts.

    What if there is a brand similar to mine?

    We carry out a preliminary search to assess risks and advise you on modifications or alternative strategies.

    Do I have to submit specific documents?

    Yes, information about the owner, logo if applicable and the class of products/services is required. We prepare the entire file.

    What happens if I don't register my trademark in the Dominican Republic?

    Any third party could use it or even register it before, generating legal conflicts, loss of identity and commercial risk.

    How much does it cost to register a trademark in the Dominican Republic?

    The cost varies according to the number of classes and whether there is design or figurative. We send you a detailed quote after the initial analysis.

    In which countries do you provide trademark registration service?

    Trademark Registration in Trinidad and Tobago
    Trademark Registration in the Bahamas
    Trademark Registration in Barbados
    Trademark Registration in Haiti
    Trademark Registration in Antigua and Barbuda
    Trademark Registration in Saint Lucia
    Trademark Registration in Grenada
    Trademark Registration in Saint Kitts and Nevis
    Trademark Registration in Dominica
    Trademark Registration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    Trademark Registration in Argentina
    Trademark Registration in Brazil
    Trademark Registration in Paraguay
    Trademark Registration in Chile
    Trademark Registration in Bolivia
    Trademark Registration in Peru
    Trademark Registration in Ecuador
    Trademark Registration in Colombia
    Trademark Registration in Venezuela
    Trademark Registration in Guyana
    Trademark Registration in Suriname
    Trademark Registration in Spain
    Trademark Registration in Portugal
    Trademark Registration in France
    Trademark Registration in Germany
    Trademark Registration in Italy
    Trademark Registration in Belgium
    Trademark Registration in the Netherlands
    Trademark Registration in Luxembourg
    Trademark Registration in Ireland
    Trademark Registration in Denmark
    Trademark Registration in Sweden
    Trademark Registration in Finland
    Trademark Registration in Austria
    Trademark Registration in Poland
    Trademark Registration in the Czech Republic
    Trademark Registration in Slovakia
    Trademark Registration in Hungary
    Trademark Registration in Romania
    Trademark Registration in Bulgaria
    Trademark Registration in Croatia
    Trademark Registration in Slovenia
    Trademark Registration in Greece
    Trademark Registration in Malta
    Trademark Registration in Cyprus
    Trademark Registration in Estonia
    Trademark Registration in Latvia
    Trademark Registration in Lithuania
    Trademark Registration in the United Kingdom
    Trademark Registration in Switzerland
    Trademark Registration in Norway
    Trademark Registration in Iceland
    Trademark Registration in Liechtenstein
    Trademark Registration in Ukraine
    Trademark Registration in Serbia
    Trademark Registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Trademark Registration in Albania
    Trademark Registration in North Macedonia
    Trademark Registration in Moldova
    Trademark Registration in Montenegro
    Trademark Registration in Morocco
    Trademark Registration in China
    Trademark Registration in Japan
    Trademark Registration in South Korea
    Trademark Registration in Taiwan
    Trademark Registration in Mongolia
    Trademark Registration in India
    Trademark Registration in Pakistan
    Trademark Registration in Bangladesh
    Trademark Registration in Sri Lanka
    Trademark Registration in Nepal
    Trademark Registration in Bhutan
    Trademark Registration in the Maldives
    Trademark Registration in Indonesia
    Trademark Registration in the Philippines
    Trademark Registration in Malaysia
    Trademark Registration in Singapore
    Trademark Registration in Thailand
    Trademark Registration in Vietnam
    Trademark Registration in Cambodia
    Trademark Registration in Laos
    Trademark Registration in Myanmar
    Trademark Registration in Brunei
    Trademark Registration in the United Arab Emirates
    Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia
    Trademark Registration in Qatar
    Trademark Registration in Kuwait
    Trademark Registration in Oman
    Trademark Registration in Bahrain
    Trademark Registration in Israel
    Trademark Registration in Jordan
    Trademark Registration in Lebanon
    Trademark Registration in Turkey
    Trademark Registration in Iran
    Trademark Registration in Iraq
    Trademark Registration in Russia
    Trademark Registration in Australia
    Trademark Registration in New Zealand
    Trademark Registration in the Pacific Islands
    Trademark Registration in Papua New Guinea
    Trademark Registration in Fiji
    Trademark Registration in Samoa
    Trademark Registration in Tonga
    Trademark Registration in Vanuatu
    Trademark Registration in Kiribati
    Trademark Registration in Micronesia
    Trademark Registration in the Marshall Islands
    Trademark Registration in the Solomon Islands
    Trademark Registration in Tuvalu

    Is a trademark what you need to protect in the Dominican Republic?

    A trademark protects the name and sign that identify your business, but it does not cover the shape of the product, the invention behind it or the creative work. Trademarks, patents and designs are handled by ONAPI, each with its own file and fee; copyright, by the National Copyright Office (ONDA).

    Industrial design

    Protects the external appearance of a product: its shape, lines or ornamentation. It does not protect the name.

    Example: the silhouette of a bottle or the design of a package.

    Register an industrial design in the Dominican Republic

    Patent of invention

    Protects a new technical solution with an inventive step and industrial application: a mechanism, a process or a product with a function.

    Example: a locking system or a manufacturing method.

    Register a patent in the Dominican Republic

    Copyright

    Protects works: texts, music, software, photographs or audiovisual works. It arises upon creation; in the Dominican Republic registration is made with the National Copyright Office (ONDA) and serves as proof of authorship and date.

    Example: the code of an app or an illustrated catalog.

    Register copyright in the Dominican Republic

    Is your trademark already registered in the Dominican Republic? Registration lasts 10 years from grant. Renewal costs DOP 3,305 plus DOP 1,210 for publication and is filed within the 6 months before expiry; after that there is a 6-month grace period with a surcharge of DOP 545 per month. And use matters: a trademark not used in the country for 3 consecutive years can be cancelled (art. 93, Law 20-00).

    Renew a registered trademark in the Dominican Republic

    Who We Are

    From Uruguay, to the world

    Since 1930, at Dubourg we’ve been helping companies and entrepreneurs protect what sets them apart most: their brand. We work from Montevideo with clients around the world, supporting them at every stage of their growth—from the initial registration to entering new markets.

    One firm, many countries

    It all starts with registering your trademark where your business currently operates. When the time comes to expand, our network of international correspondents extends that protection to other countries—all through a single, coordinated process managed from here and at the best possible rates. Those same colleagues entrust us with their trademark filings in Uruguay, a relationship built on trust over decades.

    Clarity from Day One

    Uruguay is known for its stability and clear rules, and that’s how we work, too: transparent quotes, with no hidden costs or surprises.

    Security Before Every Step

    Before moving forward, we search intellectual property databases worldwide to verify that your trademark is available. That way, you make informed decisions—not ones based on uncertainty.

    World map showing connections from Uruguay to the Americas and Europe for international trademark registration

    What Our Clients Say

    Entrepreneurs and innovators in search of legal protection for their creations.

    Are you in need of help?

    Don’t risk your valuable work without legal protection. Contact me today for a personalized consultation. Together, we will ensure that your intellectual property is properly registered and protected, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your creativity.

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