WILLEMSTAD – A business dispute has emerged over the future of the iconic Lovers brand following the launch of a new juice line by Kortijn, which recently took over the production operations of the former beverage company after its bankruptcy earlier this year.
The controversy centers on the introduction of juice products that began rolling off the production line last weekend at the Brievengat factory. The products were presented in temporary transition packaging as part of Kortijn’s plans to relaunch and expand local beverage production.
Factory Operations Saved After Bankruptcy
Following the bankruptcy of Lovers, Kortijn acquired the operational factory and business assets from the court-appointed trustee. The acquisition allowed more than 140 employees to retain their jobs and ensured that production activities continued on Curaçao.
The company has also announced plans to gradually introduce a new brand, Kortijn Juice, while maintaining production at the facility.
Family Challenges Use of Intellectual Property
However, tensions have now surfaced between Kortijn and the heirs of Lovers founder Oswald van der Dijs.
According to Cindy van der Dijs, while Kortijn acquired the factory, equipment, and operational assets, the intellectual property rights associated with the Lovers brand—including the trademark and recipes—remain in the possession of the Van der Dijs family.
The family argues that the current presentation of the new juice products creates confusion among consumers and constitutes unauthorized use of intellectual property linked to the Lovers brand.
As a result, the heirs have announced their intention to pursue legal action.
Competition in the Local Market
The dispute highlights the distinction between ownership of a company's physical assets and ownership of its brand identity and proprietary recipes.
While the legal issues remain unresolved, consumers are expected to continue seeing both product lines on the local market.
The Van der Dijs family has indicated that it will continue selling products under the Lovers name, while Kortijn moves forward with its own beverage operations and the gradual rollout of the Kortijn Juice brand.
The disagreement sets the stage for what could become a significant legal battle over branding, intellectual property, and consumer recognition in one of Curaçao’s best-known beverage businesses.
For now, juice, dairy products, and other beverages associated with both companies are expected to remain available to consumers as the dispute unfolds.