Kortijn Vows to Continue Fight Over Lovers Trademark Ownership

A new analysis examines the long and complicated transition of Curaçao's oil refinery ambitions toward the alternative economic use of Bullenbaai, a deep-water port and terminal facility on the island's western coast. The refinery at Isla, once a cornerstone of Curaçao's economy for nearly a century, has remained idle since state-owned oil company PDVSA's lease ended in 2019, leaving the island searching for a viable path forward. Bullenbaai, operated by Curaçao Terminal Operators (CTO), has increasingly been positioned as a key piece of that alternative future, focusing on oil storage and transshipment rather than refining. The shift represents a significant economic and identity reckoning for Curaçao, a nation whose infrastructure and workforce were historically built around petroleum processing. Policymakers and stakeholders continue to debate how best to leverage existing energy assets without the environmental and financial risks associated with restarting full-scale refinery operations. The outcome of this transition carries major implications for employment, government revenue, and the island's long-term economic diversification strategy.

A court in Curaçao has ordered Kortijn to immediately cease any messaging or marketing that implies its products are a continuation of, or successor to, the well-known Lovers brand. The ruling follows a legal dispute in which Lovers — or its rights holders — alleged that Kortijn was misleading consumers by capitalizing on the established reputation and goodwill associated with the Lovers name. The court found sufficient grounds to support the claim that Kortijn's conduct created confusion in the marketplace. The order is significant for brand protection on the island, reinforcing that companies cannot imply a commercial lineage or endorsement from an established brand without authorization. Violations of such a court order could result in financial penalties or further legal action against Kortijn. The case highlights growing attention to intellectual property and consumer protection standards in Curaçao's business environment.

A supermarket entrepreneur in Curaçao is seeking to acquire several fast food franchises on the island, a move that must first be reviewed and approved by the Fair Trade Authority Curaçao (FTAC). The FTAC has determined that the proposed takeover falls under mandatory prior notification requirements, meaning the deal cannot proceed without regulatory clearance. The businesses involved were previously active in the local market last year. The requirement reflects FTAC's role in preventing anti-competitive consolidation in Curaçao's retail and food service sectors. This case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over market concentration as local entrepreneurs expand across multiple business sectors. If approved, the acquisition could significantly reshape the fast food landscape on the island. The outcome of the FTAC review will determine whether the deal can move forward.