Intellectual property in Dominican Republic

The highly regarded Angeles Pons provides full-service IP advice. The broad service offering spans from trade marks and copyright, in which the team particularly excels, to data protection and regulation in connection to labelling and advertising. In recent highlights, the firm particularly stood out its role in the significant trade mark and copyright Marca País case, and for its presence in two high-profile copyright and anti-counterfeiting disputes in the pharmaceuticals sector. The cases were led by practice heads Wallis Pons and Jaime Ángeles, respectively. Pons is described as 'consistent, experienced and creative' and has vast knowledge of trade marks, patents and unfair competition litigation. Ángeles's practice focuses on copyright and trade mark litigation, advertising, IT and copyright consultancy. He is highlighted for providing 'pragmatic, strategic advice in a cost-effective manner'.

Major international companies turn to Miniño Abogados for its 'very deep knowledge of the laws and practices of all Caribbean nations'. The team stands out for being able to advise clients on local as well as international IP matters, with a particular emphasis on the Caribbean region, and in connection to multiple types of matters, including both multi-jurisdictional management of regional portfolios and cross-border transactions and litigations. The practice is particularly well regarded for its activity in advertising law and labelling, as well as in satellite privacy, where it is engaged in intergovernmental projects to enhance IP protection. Urko Ochoa heads the IP practice and assists clients with trade mark and patent protection, enforcement and commercialisation, transaction agreements and litigation. Pamela Hernández heads the trade mark prosecution and litigation department and specialises in anti-counterfeiting, customs actions and copyright infringement. Orietta Blanco is an expert in copyright, entertainment, marketing and advertising matters with links to data protection and competition law.

Troncoso Leroux has a well-known and reputed IP department, which handles the full spectrum of IP matters. Additionally, the team covers criminal litigation in connection to IP, including cases involving infringement of IP rights, and border measures procedures with customs and seizures of counterfeit merchandise in the local market. The group comprises highly recognised lawyers; founding partner Maria del Pilar Troncoso heads up the department and often works with managing partner and corporate and commercial team head Pedro Troncoso. Vanessa Cabrera has extensive experience in trade mark enforcement and IP infringement, and associate Daniel Riley is an up-and-coming litigator and expert in administrative conflicts and trade mark enforcement.

Bufete Lugo Lovatón is recognised for providing a full IP service to clients in numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals, advertising, retail, food and drink, and textiles, among others. The team is able to assist clients with their IP matters on an international basis, with particular emphasis on the Caribbean region. Trade marks are at the core of the group's expertise, alongside IP prosecution and advertising law. Zaida Lugo is a key figure in the team and has longstanding experience in IP, consumer protection and unfair competition. José Santana is the director of the IP prosecution department and specialises in trade marks, patents and copyright, and associate Héctor Collado is responsible for contentious cases.

JJ Roca & Asociados' IP department has 'a lot of professional standing' and is particularly appreciated in the market for its ability to assist clients throughout the Caribbean region. The main focus of the team is the management of large IP portfolios for companies in the life sciences and technology sectors. Regulation is a particularly strong area, which has been very active for the firm, especially in relation to health permits in the food and beverage industry. Sharin Pablo de Roca and Ana Paula Campusano are the key names to note.

Tania Castillo is managing partner at Castillo y Castillo and heads up the firm's IP department. Her focus is on advising multinational organisations on patents, trade marks, copyright, brand and IP portfolio management and exploitation, as well as franchise and licensing agreements. The group is particularly active in the consumer goods sector. Carimer Guzmán concentrates on trade mark prosecution and copyright matters.