Vaz e Dias Advogados & Associados

José Carlos Vaz e Dias

PhD/LLM Kent – England

Attorney at law specialized on patent, trademark matters and foreign investment law since 1993. His activities are focused on the legal support and consulting to foreign companies that want to invest in Brazil, especially in the technology fields. He works on trademark prosecution and patent and trademark litigation, and various matters related to foreign exchange control laws, technology transfer and taxation matters applicable to the inflow of technology and investments.

He holds a great knowledge on the legal side of biotechnology patents, plant variety rights and pharmaceuticals, which allows him to draft adequate strategies for exploring such inventions in the Brazilian market.

One of his expertise is to participate in the negotiations and drafting of technology transfer, licensing agreements, joint venture, distribution, franchising and other commercial agreements that aim to exploit intellectual property rights in the Brazilian territory. Most recently, Mr. José Carlos Vaz e Dias has been extensively working with the Brazilian Innovation Law and its peculiarities to obtain fiscal benefits and funding granted by the local government. Therefore, he has led several research and development agreements involving Brazilian research centers and companies (including foreign ones) and he has given support to companies on matters of intellectual property and fiscal laws.

He holds a strong presence in the enforcement of intellectual property rights and implementation of programs to prevent counterfeiting and parallel import in the Brazilian territory, especially in the main ports and cities that manufacture and distribute such products.

His intellectual strength comes from the broad knowledge of various legal fields (taxation, antitrust, corporate law and consumer rights) that makes him capable to apply them to the protection, enforcement and exploitation of IP rights.

Further, he graduated from the University of Brasilia (UnB) and obtained a master degree (Masters in International Business Transaction – LLM/Kent) and a PhD (foreign investment and intellectual property rights – PhD/Kent) from the University of Kent at Canterbury in England.

JOSÉ CARLOS VAZ E DIAS is a Professor on Intellectual Property Rights from the State University of Rio de Janeiro – UERJ. He has written several local and international publications and he has led seminars and speeches in associations such as Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Brazilian Intellectual Property Law Association (ABPI), Brazilian Industrial Property Agent Association (ABAPI), World Intellectual Property Law Organization (WIPO), International Trademark Association (INTA), Licensing Executive Society (LES), among others.

Gabriel Duarte de Oliveira

Gabriel Duarte is an Industrial Chemist from the Federal Fluminense University (UFF) and Work Safety Technician from the National Service for Commercial Learning (SENAC). Gabriel developed a digital printing study in forensic chemistry for his final project in the course at UFF, obtaining approval and successful conclusion.  

Gabriel Duarte also has experience in Research and Innovation in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at Federal Fluminense University (UFF) since 2012 and in Environmental Management and Product Stewardship related to the chemical industry of pesticides since 2014.

At VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, Gabriel Duarte performs activities related to the protection of inventions through patents, topographies and software. He has been involved at this firm, since 2019 in the prosecution of applications at the Brazilian Patent Office (INPI), especially those related to chemistry, petrochemicals and pharmacy, in general. 

In addition, Gabriel Duarte also participates in all stages of the administrative processing of national and international patent applications, via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Gabriel Duarte guides national and international clients, clarifying their queries, conducting the analysis of official requirements and office actions, preparing technical opinions and administrative petitions in general, such as compliance with requirements, technical responses, resources, examination subsidies and nullities with the INPI.

Laura Marques

Attorney at law admitted to the Brazilian Bar Association in 2012, Laura Leite Marques has a Law degree (2012) from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), and a Post-graduate degree (2014) in Intellectual Property and Competition Law at Candido Mendes University (UCAM).

Laura Leite Marques is specialized on trademark prosecution and litigation with the adequate knowledge for the protection of distinctive signs at the Brazilian Trademark Office (BTO).

Further to that, she holds great expertise on matters related to unfair competition, especially those taken place on digital platforms B2B and B2C and social media, including fake news, false and abusive advertising issues on commerce, ambush marketing and geo-pricing/geo-blocking behaviors.

Laura is always designated when it comes to issues related to domain names, software and internet law. Her expertise entitles her to deliver legal support and opinion to foreign and Brazilian companies. It further allowed her to publish the article entitled “An Analysis of the Rights and Duties of Internet Users”.

Bruna Valois

Bruna Valois holds a post-graduate degree in Commercial Mediation and Conciliation from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Universidade Candido Mendes (UCAM). 

She is a counsellor and attorney-at-law specialized in international business transactions since 2014. She works in the preparation and negotiations of commercial agreements in the technology sphere, such as technology transfer, licensing of intellectual property rights, copyright agreements, merchandising, research and development, franchising, distribution, confidentiality agreements and other contracts involving the exploitation of intellectual property rights. 

In view of the peculiarity of the legal framework for technology transfer and franchise agreements in Brazil, required the prior recordation at the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI),  Bruna Valois is the leading attorney that holds meetings with the examiners, verifies and complies with office actions and takes the legal steps to obtain the Recordation Certificates for local and foreign Clients.

In addition, Bruna Valois guides national and international clients, clarifying their doubts, conducting the analysis of official requirements and office actions issued by the INPI, administrative requests in general, such as compliance with requirements and filing of appeals before the INPI for the recordal of international commercial agreements.

Eduardo Tibau

Lawyer of Counsel Bachelor in Law from Cândido Mendes University and Master degree in Intellectual Property and Innovation from INPI with solid experience in the areas of intellectual property law, technological innovation, corporate law, digital law and data protection and privacy.

Eduardo Tibau started his career in 1999 and joined large law firms when he had the opportunity to make the intersection between intellectual property law and corporate law.

In view of his comprehensive background, Eduardo Tibau has the facility to implement ideas and concepts in innovative businesses and ventures with the potential for growth in a legally sustainable manner, enabling the testing, improvement and viability of new products and services in the market before the investment of large sums.

This lawyer has as specific role in the law firm VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS to assist business companies and technology-based entrepreneurs – startups and innovative people – in matters related to business in the area of technological innovation. Included in this ability is his expertise in drafting commercial innovation and corporate law contracts, such as the Convertible Loan, Vesting Contract, RD&I Contract, Innovative Public Procurement and other legal businesses agreements.

In addition, Eduardo Tibau is the professional in our office, who is often required to work on developing strategies to adapt the digital structures of companies to the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD).

Academic Background

• Bachelor in Law. Cândido Mendes University – Rio de Janeiro. 1999.
• Post-graduated in Intellectual Property Law. PUC – Rio de Janeiro. 2002.
• Master in Intellectual Property and Innovation. National Institute of Industrial Property. 2013.

Associations

• OAB/RJ – Brazilian Bar Association – Section of Rio de Janeiro
• ABAPI – Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents
• ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property
• IAPP – International Association of Privacy Professionals

Cláudia de Noronha Santos

Attorney at Law in the field of intellectual property rights and entertainment law since 1998. Graduated from the Law School of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) and from the Languages School of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC/Rio).

Her legal framework is specialized in administrative procedures for the protection of trademarks, copyrights and domain name and leads consultancy services relating to the exploitation of audiovisual and artistic works, including the draft of corresponding commercial agreements and compliance with the requirements and limits set out by image law, personality law and data protection laws. In view of her extensive knowledge in the intellectual property law scenario, Claudia Santos is a professional qualified to lead Brazilian businessmen and foreign investors in the protection of the intangibles in the Brazilian territory, especially trademarks and intellectual works protected by copyright. Further to that, she assists local businessmen in the protection of in other markets, whether through the Paris Convention or the Madrid Protocol.

In addition, Cláudia has been engaged for the last fifteen years in the Third Sector regarding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as assisting Brazilian clients in the Data Protection area since October 2020.

Academic Background

• Law Graduate. Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 1997.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Languages – Teaching Degree on Portuguese and English 
• Languages and Corresponding Literatures. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC/Rio). 1995.

ASSOCIATIONS 

• OAB/RJ – Brazilian Bar Association
• ABPI– Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property
• INTA – International Trademark Association

Luzia Souza

Attorney at law acting with intellectual property rights for over 25 years, with specialization on trademark prosecution at the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and unfair competition. Luzia Souza has a Law degree from the Universidade Cândido Mendes (UCAM) and a Post-graduate degree on Intellectual Property Law from the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).

Luzia Souza holds a great knowledge on trademark prosecution and administrative case law of INPI, besides holding expertise in the protection of highly renowned trademarks that require a special and complex registration and protection in Brazil.

At VAZ DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, she focuses primarily to the assistance on the protection of the clients’ trademarks at the INPI and defense against infringers by means of oppositions, administrative appeals, and nullity procedures, among elaboration of cease-and-desist letters against unfair competition practice and trademark violation by third parties. Further to that, she leads Brazilian businessmen to the trademark internationalization by means of filing and protection via Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol.

By holding this knowledge and experience, Luzia Souza is capable to perform a high-quality service on the elaboration of effective strategies to obtain the required protection for the clients’ trademarks and to hamper the registration of trademarks that violate existing trademarks in the Brazilian territory.

Academic Background

Post-graduate degree in Intellectual Property Law – State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ))

Law Degree – Candido Mendes university (UCAM)

Associations

OAB/RJ – Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil

ABPI – Associação Brasileira da Propriedade Intelectual

INTA – International Trademark Association

Stefany Kokkinovrachos

Attorney at Law graduated from the Instituto Brasileiro de Mercados e Capitais (IBMEC/RJ), postgraduate in tax law from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV/RJ) and postgraduate in digital law from the Instituto de Tecnologia e Sociedade (ITS Rio) in partnership with the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). She is fluent in Portuguese, French, English and Greek languages.

As an attorney at VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, she focuses in administrative and court procedures in patents, industrial design and software, performing activities related to the protection to inventions, industrial design and software at the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI), mainly in the elaboration of administrative appeals and compliance with office actions. As a litigation attorney, Stefany Kokkinovrachos is specialized in performing activities before the Federal Courts where the acts published by the INPI concerning the protection of technological intangibles are questioned and revised.

Additionally, she works in the intersection between the technological innovation and digital law, especially in matters linked to Blockchain, NFTs and data privacy protection with the elaboration of strategies and policies for the protection of confidential information and elaboration of strategic alliances in the technological field. 

With her extensive expertise in intellectual property rights, Stefany Kokkinovrachos advises national and international clients, clarifying their doubts regarding intellectual property and digital law, as well as acting directly with the technical team from the Patents and Innovation Department in elaborating the best technical and legal strategies for each specific case.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Post-Graduation in Digital Law. Instituto de Tecnologia e Sociedade (ITS Rio) in partnership with Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). 2021.

LL.M. in Tax Law. Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV/RJ). 2019.

Bachelor of Law. Instituto Brasileiro de Mercados e Capitais (IBMEC/RJ). 2016. 

ASSOCIATIONS

OAB/RJ – Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil

ABPI – Associação Brasileira de Propriedade Intelectual

INTA – International Trademark Association

Laiz Oliveira

Professional who advises national and international clients with financial and administrative issues related to the Departments of Patent and Innovation, Trademark, Agreements and Technology Transfer and Litigation.

She also manages the information of VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, based on document evaluation techniques, production, custody, preservation and more adequate use of files, as well as in the management and organization of contracts that VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS is a part of together with its Brazilian and foreign partners, which includes accompanying, managing and controlling the contract management process from the formalization to the closing of the contract.

Works with customer service, receiving and clarifying doubts in person and online. She is responsible for taking care of all the bureaucracy procedure corresponding to employees and services provided by VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS.

Currently studying at the Faculty of Law of the Augusto Motta University (UNISUAM), Laiz Oliveira is a young practitioner in the Financial and Documental Area with a focus on Customer Service and the Personnel Department.

ACADEMIC BRACKGROUND

Professional Initial Course on Intellectual Property Rights – FIEMS/SENAI

Undergraduate Student at the Faculty of Law. Augusto Motta (UNISUAM).

ASSOCIATIONS

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

ABAPI – Brazilian Agents Association of Intellectual Property

Caroline Lourenço Branco

Pharmacist (Undergraduate in Pharmaceutical Sciences) from Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz (FOC), Specialist in Intellectual Property (Postgraduate in Intellectual Property and New Technologies) from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV Law-SP). She developed scientific research at USP on the synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor activity of glycyl-sulfonyl-hydrazide analogs.

Caroline has been working in Industrial Property since 2018, having experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry and therefore works mainly in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemistry areas. One of her specialties is the freedom to operate (FTO) analysis and patent infringement reports. She also has extensive experience in the landscape of new technologies, highlighting the search for bioactive molecules, polymorphs, and pharmaceutical compositions in general, as well as in patentability analysis and patent drafting.

At VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, she works in the Department of Patents and Innovation, based in São Paulo. She leads activities related to patent protection of technological inventions, such as patent drafting, preparation of technical opinions, subsidies, appeals, and administrative nullities. Additionally, she manages administrative prosecutions before the INPI and provides guidance to national and foreign clients.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Postgraduate degree, Intellectual Property and New Technologies, Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Undergraduate Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz (FOC), 2019

ASSOCIATIONS

ASPI – Paulista Association of Intellectual Property

ABAPI – Brazilian Agents Association of Industrial Property

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

INTA – International Trademark Association

Caroline Duffes

Caroline Duffes Pereira is an Attorney-at-law graduated from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) and admitted to the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ) on that same year.

Caroline has been working in the field of intellectual property at VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS since 2023 and her activities are focused on providing legal assistance for the protection and effectiveness of trademark rights and copyright in Brazil through administrative and judicial procedures for national and foreign clients.

With specific interest and experience in protecting assets in the fashion, haute couture and entertainment industries, Caroline Duffes has the ability to assist national and foreign companies linked to this business activities in the protection of their intangibles assets before the Brazilian Trademark Office (INPI), the School of Arts and the National Library, securing their IP rights through administrative petitions, cease and desist letters and by the implementation of highly strategical defense approaches to set the adequate boundaries on clients’ intellectual property rights.  For no other reason, Caroline is currently a member of the Fashion Law Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association of São Paulo.

Caroline holds knowledge and experience in drafting agreements that aim to economically exploit the image, personality and intellectual property rights of public figures in Brazil and abroad.

Academic Background 

Law Graduate. State University of Rio de Janeiro – UERJ, 2012.

General Intellectual Property Course. World Intellectual Property Organization, 2022.

Extension Course in Fashion Law. Pontifícia Universidade Católica of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RIO), 2022.

ASSOCIATIONS

OAB/RJ – Brazilian Bar Association

ABAPI – Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

INTA – International Trademark Association

Eduardo Pimpão

Eduardo Pimpão Salum is an Attorney-at-law graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in 2022 and admitted to the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ) in the same year.

Eduardo has been working on intellectual property at VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS since 2022 specializing in legal assistance for the protection and effectiveness of trademark and copyright in the Brazilian territory, through administrative and judicial procedures for both national and foreign clients.

With specific interest and experience in the protection of trade secrets, Eduardo Salum has participated in corporate confidentiality policy programs, aiming to strengthen the requirements of discretion regarding private information and implementing procedures for data protection. Thus, this expertise, combined with Eduardo Salum’s knowledge in the safeguard of intangible assets before the Brazilian Trademark Office (BTO), enables him to assist Brazilian and foreign entrepreneurs in protecting their intellectual property both before the BTO and the National Library, as well as in their own companies. Such protection is ensured through contracts, lawsuits, administrative petitions, cease and desist letters, and the development of defensive strategies and for the consensual exploitation of intangible assets.

Eduardo also has knowledge and experience in protecting such assets against acts of counterfeiting, characterized by the unauthorized use or commercialization of trademarks registered by third parties, having been involved in investigations and subsequent seizures of counterfeit products.

Academic Background

Law Graduate. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro – PUC-Rio, 2022.

Postgraduate student in Financial Management. Fundação Getúlio Vargas – FGV, 2023 – expected completion in June 2024

Professional Training Course in Industrial Property. Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents – ABAPI, 2023

General Course on Intellectual Property – DL 101 BR. World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO, 2021

Associations

OAB/RJ – Brazilian Bar Association

ABAPI – Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

INTA – International Trademark Association

Guilherme Vieira Rodrigues

Mechanical engineer graduated from the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), with a sandwich degree in France at the Polytech’Orléans, specializing in Vehicles and Energy Systems. Guilherme holds a master and doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and he is currently a Junior Postdoctoral Researcher at the same institution.

Guilherme has professional experience in the field of nonlinear mechanics research, where he develops projects for academia and the productive sector. Specialization includes applications in biomechanics, smart materials and structures, nonlinear dynamics, chaos and control, with a particular focus on origami-inspired structures applied in engineering. Actively participates in international mechanical engineering congresses (COBEM, DINAME, MECSOL, etc.), which offer valuable opportunities for updating on the latest trends, technologies, and research.

Since 2023, he works as a technical professional in the patent protection of technological developments, where he performs activities related to the protection of engineering inventions and related areas, using patents and software. Daily activities include guiding national and foreign clients about patent prosecution in Brazil, clarifying doubts, analyzing regulatory requirements, and preparing technical opinions and administrative petitions to comply with requirements, technical responses, appeals, examination subsidies, and nullity issues before the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO).

Academic background

Junior Postdoctoral. Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). 2024.

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). 2022.

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). 2017.

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Federal Fluminense University (UFF). 2014.

Associations 

ABCM – Brazilian Association of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

ANPEI – National Association for the Research and Development of Innovative Companies

INTA – International Trademark Association

Amanda Fagundes Medeiros

PROFILE
Graduate student in Languages and Literature at Universidade Federal Fluminense
(UFF) with the foreign languages English and Spanish.

As a member of the Patents and Innovation team at VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS &
ASSOCIADOS, her primary role is to ensure the efficient operation of the department’s
administrative tasks. This includes among others managing deadlines and updating the
internal monitoring system for both national and international cases, working closely with
the technical team to ensure that all activities are aligned with the company’s objectives
and standards.

Additionally, she is responsible for the communication within the Patents and Industrial
Designs department with a wide range of clients and partners, both nationally and
internationally. Her role is to clarify any administrative enquiries that may arise, providing
an efficient and informative service.

BACKGROUND
Degree in Literature from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Expected
graduation date: 2026.
High School Diploma from Colégio Pedro II (2017 – 2019).

ASSOCIATIONS
ABPI – Associação Brasileira de Propriedade Intelectual

Evelyn Roboredo

Evelyn Roboredo Almeida is an Attorney-at-law graduated from the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) in 2022, currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Civil Procedural Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC – RIO) and admitted to the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ) in 2023.

Specializing in intellectual property law as an associate attorney at VAZ E DIAS ADVOGADOS & ASSOCIADOS, Evelyn focuses on strategic litigation related to trademarks, trade dress, and unfair competition.

With extensive experience in Intellectual Property, she is distinguished by her role as a monitor in a specialized Trade Dress course and as a speaker at events aimed at raising awareness about intellectual property rights. Evelyn’s career is marked by a strategic approach to intellectual property protection and enforcement, with a proven ability to educate and engage diverse audiences on the subject as well as in assisting Brazilian and foreign entrepreneurs in protecting their intellectual property, both before Federal and State Courts and internally within their companies, whether through her involvement in legal proceedings or through the development and implementation of defensive strategies.

She also possesses knowledge and experience in the consultative aspects of intellectual property, which greatly contributes to her comprehensive perspective in the firm’s litigation team.

Academic Background

Law Graduate. Fluminense Federal University – UFF. 2022.

Postgraduate student in Civil Procedural Law. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro – PUC – RIO. 2024 – expected completion in June 2025.

Trade Dress: Theory and Practice (Monitor). D. Portilho Academy. 2024.

Civil Procedure applied to Intellectual Property. Paulista Association of Intellectual Property – ASPI. 2023.

Advanced Course on Trademarks, Industrial Designs, and Geographical Indications. World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO. 2022.

Summer Course in Intellectual Property and the Health Sector. World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO. 2022.

Intellectual Property and the Food and Beverage Industry. Dannemann Siemsen Institute – IDS. 2021.

Professional Training Course in Industrial Property. Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents – ABAPI. 2021.

General Course in Intellectual Property – DL 101 BR. World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO. 2021.

Associations

OAB/RJ – Brazilian Bar Association

ABAPI – Brazilian Association of Industrial Property Agents

ABPI – Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property

INTA – International Trademark Association