World registry approves official designation for Dominican Larimar

Santo Domingo.- The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has officially granted the Dominican Republic the international registration of the “Larimar Barahona” designation of origin, securing worldwide legal protection for the semiprecious stone unique to the country. The certification was received by Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, on behalf of the Dominican State.

This designation protects the name “Larimar Barahona” in 28 countries under the Lisbon Agreement, shielding it from misuse or misappropriation. The registration, requested by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and managed through the National Industrial Property Office (ONAPI), validates the stone’s origin, reputation, and quality. Larimar, exclusively extracted in Barahona, was declared the Dominican Republic’s national stone by Law 296-11 and is celebrated annually on National Larimar Day, established under Law 17-18.

Minister Santos noted that this recognition will support export growth and enable producers to issue certificates of authenticity for Larimar, marking a new chapter for Dominican artisanal and mineral exports.

ONAPI’s director general expressed pride in the achievement, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting the country’s unique products. He emphasized the role of intellectual property in building a more competitive and sustainable economy that reflects the Dominican Republic’s identity on the global stage.