Dominican Republic Trade Mark Guide

Registration
A trade mark can be registered in the Dominican Republic pursuant to the Industrial Property Law No. 20- 00 (May 8, 2000) which provides for local trade mark applications.

The following information and documentation is required:

1. name of the trade mark
2. one copy of the mark (unless mark is word only)
3. class(es) and specification of goods and/or services
4. applicant’s name and address
5. Power of Attorney
6. certified copy of priority document (if priority is claimed)
7. Spanish translation of all of the above documents.

It usually takes between 6-12 months for the Director General of the National Office of Industrial Property to process an application for registration. Paris Convention priority can be claimed. Once the registration is complete the National Office will issue a Certificate of Registration.

Classes
The International Classification system is used. Multi-class applications are allowed.

Searches
In order to conduct a search the documentation required is the name of the trade mark, one copy of the mark (unless mark is word only) and/or the name of the proprietor. The result can usually be provided in about three weeks.

Renewal
A trade mark registration is valid for 10 years after which it can be renewed for like periods. Two months before the renewal date we will send you an Expiry Notice asking whether you wish us to renew the registration or allow the mark to lapse. No documentation is required in order to file an application for renewal.

The application for renewal should be filed within six months prior to the expiration date of the registration. A grace period of six months, however, is allowed from the expiration date for the filing of the application for renewal upon payment of a late fee for each month that has passed. After that time a new application for registration is required.

It usually takes three months or less for the National Office to process an application for renewal. Once the renewal is complete the National Office will issue a Certificate of Renewal.

If you do not wish to renew the mark please inform us so that we can advise the National Office accordingly.

Abandonment
Please inform us as soon as possible if you wish to abandon your trade mark or allow it to lapse so that we can update our records and advise the National Office accordingly. This will avoid us sending out unnecessary Reminder Notices.

Assignment
Please inform us as soon as possible if the trade mark has been assigned so that we can file an application to record the assignment in the Dominican Republic.

To record the assignment of a trade mark registration the only documentation required is a certified copy of the Deed of Assignment with a Spanish translation and a Power of Attorney.

It usually takes three months or less for the National Office to process an application to record an assignment. Once the recording is complete the National Office will issue a Certificate of Assignment.

Change of Particulars
Please inform us as soon as possible if there is any change to the registration so that we can file an application to record the change in the Dominican Republic.

No documentation is required in order to file an application to record a change of name and/or address for a trade mark registration.

It usually takes three months or less for the National Office to process an application to record a Change of Particulars. Once the recording is complete the National Office will issue a Certificate of Change of Name and/or Address.