With over 90 years of experience, Momsen Leonardos & Cia was characterised by competitors as a traditional and well-respected IP specialist with particular expertise in patent prosecution. Founded in 1919, the practice has 25 partners and almost 300 professionals in its Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offices and correspondents in every Brazilian state.
The firm represents an impressive list of industry leaders, including GlaxoSmithKline, the SunCoke Company, Henkel, Kellogg's, AB Electrolux and Eli Lilly. Peers noted that it is very active in the pharmaceutical field, which is a well-developed market in Brazil and an important source of work for IP lawyers. Other areas of specialisation include information technology issues such as contract licences, software protection and e-commerce.
"It is a very traditional, good firm," said one competitor. "It has quality people: very good partners such as Gabriel Francisco Leonardos, a lot of good clients and very high-level work. I know the patent prosecution is very good." Another rival said: "It is very well-known for its quality."
The firm recently represented Eli Lilly in an infringement case involving Cialis, one of the pharmaceutical giant's most important brands, and its major competitor, Viagra. As a member of INTA, the firm has also been involved in discussions concerning criminal legislation on counterfeiting.