Following one of the most important mergers of the year in the Brazilian IP market, Montaury Pimenta Machado & Vieira de Mello is enjoying increased business and exposure according to competitors. The new formation is the result of a May 2010 alliance between Montaury Pimenta Machado & Lioce and Vieira de Mello. Both had well-respected IP practices, particularly in trade marks. The firm now comprises 32 lawyers and patent attorneys and is widening its range of consulting services.
"After the merger I think it has a good balance," said one rival. "These are two big IP firms, so the amount of work there now must be huge. I believe this is going to affect its strength in the market." Another peer noted: "It's getting bigger and bigger now."
The newly formed practice represents household names such as Syngenta, FIFA, VISA, Heineken, Swarovski, Cisco and Honda. "We are extremely happy with the service it provides to us," said one client. "We do use other firms, but I would say Montaury is the best." Senior partner Eduardo Magalhães Machado was singled out for positive feedback by patrons. "He's extremely responsive, which I thoroughly appreciate, and I think he provides very thorough advice," said one long-time customer. "We have a very good relationship."
In September 2010 the firm obtained an injunction on behalf of Burger King against a competitor calling itself the King Burger Company. The injunction was granted by the State Court of Minas Gerais, which ordered the King Burger Company to stop using the offending mark and the infringing trade dress.