With the support of a large general practice firm behind it, the IP group of Pinheiro Neto Advogados has a long history as a player in Brazil's IP market. The firm was founded in 1942 and has 800 members of staff in its São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília offices. Clients of the IP department include General Motors, Universal Pictures and Yahoo!
In July 2010, the firm emerged victorious on behalf of brewery Cervejarias Kaiser Brasil after a four-year legal battle over its beer, Sol. An action had been filed by competitors de Bebidas das Américas – Ambev and Cervejarias Reunidas Skol Caracu, seeking to stop Kaiser producing and advertising the beer. The plaintiffs claimed that the Sol brand resembled their beer Skol, but the first instance judge ruled that the claim was groundless.
Pinheiro Neto Advogados also represented the Chicago Merchantile Exchange (CME) in negotiations with the Brazilian Stock Exchange (BVMF) over a technology partnership. The meetings, which took place in August 2010, were over plans by the two organisations to develop a joint international platform to negotiate stocks. The technology to be created for the venture is amongst the most advanced of its kind.
Former associate José Mauro Decoussau Machado was elected as a partner of the IP department in October 2010. Pinheiro Neto Advogados is also the first Brazilian law practice to be certified as carbon neutral. The firm contributes to several charities and is involved in programmes promoting the technical and professional training of low-income youths.