Suriname on the Move: Reforming Intellectual Property in a Nation Poised for Growth by Elleson Fraenk
- Hetanshi Gohil
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
In The Global IP Matrix Issue 21, Elleson Fraenk, Attorney and Founder of Vision Legalis Advocaten in Suriname, explores how the nation is adapting its intellectual property laws amidst an economic transformation driven by offshore oil discoveries and increasing foreign investment.
The Economic Backdrop: A Nation on the Verge of Change
Suriname, located on the northern coast of South America and a member of CARICOM, is experiencing a surge in development following major offshore oil discoveries. With the first oil production expected by 2028, this boom mirrors the growth experienced by its neighbour, Guyana. In anticipation, the government is modernising key legislation to meet international standards and accommodate incoming global business.
Current IP Framework in Suriname
Suriname currently provides protection for:
Tradenames
Copyrights
Trademarks
However, it lacks legislation for patents and industrial designs—though reforms are underway.
Copyright Protection
Copyright exists from the moment a work is created and does not require registration. However, recent amendments allow for optional registration at the Bureau voor Intellectuele Eigendommen (B.I.E.) to strengthen proof of ownership. Rights last for 50 years after the creator’s death, and the law allows for seizure or destruction of infringing goods, though enforcement challenges persist.
Trademark System & the Stealth Filing Advantage
Trademark law, based on 1912 legislation and amended in 2018, allows registrations at the B.I.E. While the system is manual and lacks an online database, it offers a unique benefit: stealth applications. These allow brand owners to file trademarks discreetly in Suriname to secure priority rights under the Paris Convention, giving them six months to file in other jurisdictions.
Legislative Gaps and Promising Amendments
Service Marks: Currently unregistrable in Suriname—a gap that affects both local and international service providers. However, legislation has been drafted to address this, including transitional provisions for early claimants.
Industrial Designs: Suriname joined the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement in 2020. A new law is in review that will allow full implementation and protection of industrial designs.
Conclusion
As Suriname prepares for increased international trade and investment, it is taking meaningful steps to modernise its IP framework. From copyright registration and service mark reform to stealth trademark filings and design protection, the country is laying the groundwork for a more robust and globally aligned IP system.
Read the full article by Elleson Fraenk in The Global IP Matrix Issue 21 to explore the evolving landscape of Surinamese intellectual property.
This crackdown should serve as a wake-up call to the IP community—reminding all stakeholders that transparency, diligence, and ethics are non-negotiable pillars of a fair and functioning IP system.
For more insights from Elleson Fraenk, read the full article in the latest issue of The Global IP Matrix.
Comments