WILLEMSTAD – The children of Lovers founder Oswald van der Dijs Sr. have obtained a court-ordered conservatory attachment on the funds of Lovers Industrial Corporation Curaçao, placing millions of guilders under seizure to protect the Lovers brand.
The decision was issued by a Curaçao court on December 10 following a request by heirs Cindy van der Dijs and Oswald van der Dijs Jr. According to the applicants, the measure is necessary due to a long-running legal and operational dispute over the management and use of the Lovers brand in Curaçao.
The heirs state that the conflict has persisted for years and involves alleged violations of licensing agreements governing the Lovers trademark, as well as infringements of their shareholder rights. They argue that significant changes occurred within Lovers Curaçao after the death of founder Oswald van der Dijs Sr., and later his brother Pedro van der Dijs, who also held shares in the company.
According to the heirs, the current management has taken actions that breach long-standing license agreements and organizational obligations. They claim these actions have exposed Lovers Curaçao to substantial risks that could endanger the company and its employees.
Lovers Curaçao has operated for more than two decades under formal licensing agreements that regulate the use of all Lovers trademarks, formulas, designs and intellectual property. The exclusive authority to grant these licenses rests with Lovers Industrial USA, LLC, a company wholly owned by the founder’s children.
Cindy van der Dijs and Oswald van der Dijs Jr. say they made repeated attempts to resolve the dispute amicably with the local management. Instead, they allege, management engaged in delaying tactics, refused transparency and acted in bad faith, while continuing to benefit from products produced and sold under the Lovers name without valid authorization.
Despite the legal action, the heirs stress their commitment to safeguarding their father’s legacy and ensuring long-term stability for the business and its workforce. They state that this objective reflects the original vision of Oswald van der Dijs Sr. for Lovers Curaçao.
According to the heirs, responsibility for resolving the dispute now lies with the management of Lovers Curaçao.