Dominican Republic maintains removal from U.S. intellectual property watch list

Santo Domingo.- For the second year in a row, the Dominican Republic has been removed from the United States’ intellectual property watch list, according to the 2025 Special 301 Report released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), as announced by Minister of Industry and Commerce, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó.

Bisonó emphasized that this recognition reflects the country’s strong commitment to protecting intellectual property rights, which enhances its reputation as a trustworthy and competitive international trading partner. The Dominican Republic was also featured in the report’s “Illustrative Best Practices” section, a category highlighting countries with effective IP enforcement and cooperation strategies.

The report commended the ongoing efforts of the Interministerial Council on Intellectual Property (CIPI)—coordinated by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs and the Attorney General’s Office—which published its second annual report in February 2025. This council plays a key role in coordinating public institutions to combat IP violations and promote awareness.

Bisonó noted that under President Luis Abinader’s administration, the Dominican Republic achieved this milestone for the first time in 28 years. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening intellectual property as a cornerstone for innovation, sustainable development, and foreign investment attraction.