Episode 8: Women's IP World Podcast - Season 4, Episode 8

Host:
Michele Katz
Founder & CEO
Advitam IP, LLC – Chicago, USA

Guest:
Elleson Fraenk
Attorney and Founder
Vision Legalis Advocaten, Republic of Suriname

In Episode 8 of Season 4 of the Women’s IP World Podcast, Michele Katz speaks with Elleson Fraenk, founder of Vision Legalis Advocaten in Suriname. Together, they explore the legal framework and evolving IP landscape of Suriname, a small but culturally rich South American nation with Caribbean ties.

Elleson expands on her article, “Trademark Protection in Suriname”, featured in the Women’s IP World Annual 2024. She provides a detailed overview of Suriname’s IP environment, including the country’s reliance on an amended 1912 trademark law, its “first-to-use” legal doctrine, and the opportunities and challenges presented by its outdated but strategically advantageous registry system.

She also discusses how Suriname’s lack of a service mark registration system impacts local businesses and how efforts are underway to modernise legislation, with Elleson herself contributing to a new draft law that could change the landscape for service providers in the region.

Whether you're new to Suriname’s IP structure or seeking to expand your brand in the Caribbean region, this episode offers a rare and insightful look at a jurisdiction that is often overlooked yet increasingly relevant as foreign investment grows.

Read Elleson’s full article.

If you would like to be part of The Women’s IP World Annual 2026 and join our podcast, please contact us at:
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Website: www.womensipworld.com

For more information on IP services from Michele S. Katz and Advitam IP, Visit: www.advitamip.com

Connect with Elleson Fraenk:
Founder at Vision Legalis Advocaten
Website: www.visionlegalis.com

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