Testemonials

Based in Porto Alegre, Guerra IP is a well-regarded intellectual property boutique. It provides advice for domestic and international clients on a full gamut of matters, including copyright litigation, trade mark prosecution and transfer of technology and coexistence agreements. The team represents companies from various sectors, such as gaming, technology, shoes manufacturers and the chemical industry. Its clients also benefit from multi-jurisdictional portfolio management.

Strengths
One client says: “I highly rate their services. They provide clear and timely answers. I appreciate their initiative of suggesting strategic actions. They’re proactive.”

Work highlights
Guerra IP advised Zynga on a full range of trade mark services, including filing and prosecution of TM applications for games.

Notable practitioners
Co-head of department Alberto Guerra joins the ranking this year after delivering a good performance within the IP field. He advises clients on patent issues including portfolio management, as well as theft of technology, violation of patent registration, and breach of transfer of technology agreement. An interviewee notes that “he is fast in responding, always accurate and always available.”

Chambers and Partners

Guerra IP is a market leader in Porto Alegre and maintains the largest IP practice in southern Brazil. However, it has an excellent national – and international – reputation, and is just as well resourced in Rio de Janeiro. The firm earns the enduring trust of its clientele by understanding their innovations, business and culture, and tailoring IP strategies accordingly. It deploys a technically accomplished team that completes assignments in satisfying fashion for reasonable fees; sources confirm that “it matches excellent quality with good prices”.

Coming in for special praise are Alberto Guerra, an all-IP expert and head of patent litigation,and litigation chair Ricardo Pinho: “Alberto is a master of his craft and can be relied on completely. He is knowledgeable on all aspects of patent and trademark law, and is extremely responsive.” “Ricardo can explain the complexities of the Brazilian legal system in crystal-clear terms and gives pragmatic advice for overcoming any obstacles. He possesses strong technical skills along with deep practical experience and is a source of high-value counsel.” Another key figure is Flavio Leonardos, who leads the patent department. In 2022 he marks his 40th year handling patent and technology matters, meaning there is little he has not seen. He knows how to obtain strong patents and how to put them to good business use.

IAM Patent 1000

With offices in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, Guerra IP fields a ‘seasoned team‘ of IP lawyers, trade mark attorneys and patent engineers, which acts for a diverse client portfolio of global and domestic local corporations across the chemical, biotech, pharmaceuticals and IT sectors. On the contentious side, trade mark and patent oppositions and enforcement are strong points, and copyright, advertising and e-commerce matters are also handled. Alberto Guerra showcases particular expertise in anti-counterfeiting measures and sports law.

Head of the trade mark department Cristina Guerra is ‘well equipped to tackle the most complex legal cases’. Flavio Leonardos oversees patent-related matters. Since publication, Ricardo Pinho left the firm, in February 2022.

Legal 500

Southern Brazil’s top IP outfit, Guerra IP also has a major presence in Rio de Janeiro and is a respected name across Brazil and internationally, too. Patrons benefit from easy partner access and a trademark service that is tailored and rigorous, but also price sensitive. Its appreciation of the business criticality of brands makes it well suited to transactional IP tasks and inspires its problem-solving approach to litigation, where costly proceedings are often avoided without compromising on results.

Helping to instil this commercial approach, Cristina Guerra presides over the trademark department. One long-term client reports: “We have worked with her for over a decade and never been less than extremely satisfied with her performance and responsiveness.” Another adds: “Cristina has represented us in Brazil for 20-plus years; she takes prompt action and implements creative solutions.” She designs international strategic blueprints for Brazilian companies and manages the Latin American portfolios of large multinationals with a deft touch. When she links up with polished litigator and deal maker Ricardo Pinho, great things happen; the pair are currently overseeing wide-ranging trademark matters for a leading global cannabis company. Pinho is “one of the best IP attorneys in Brazil in terms of substantive knowledge and strategic expertise”.

WTR 1000