Cross-border contract structuring
International contracts and business between Brazil, Portugal and Paraguay
We draft, review and negotiate commercial, distribution, agency, service and joint venture contracts between parties located in different countries.
When to seek advice
Situations that usually prompt this work
- 01
Negotiating with a foreign partner or supplier
Companies closing a deal with a counterparty in another country that need a clear contract on governing law, jurisdiction and dispute resolution method.
- 02
Poorly drafted contract creating risk of breach
Companies that took on international obligations based on generic drafts or translations made without legal adaptation to the case.
- 03
Ongoing international commercial dispute
Parties already facing a contractual disagreement with a foreign partner who need to assess available collection, negotiation or arbitration options.
- 04
Structuring a joint venture or commercial partnership
Companies deciding to partner with a foreign party that need to formalize rights, obligations and exit from the partnership.
- 05
International distribution, representation and commercial agency
Companies expanding sales through distributors or representatives in another country that need contracts protecting their brand and margin.
How we work
What the firm does
- 01
Diagnosis of the business and the parties involved
Analysis of the commercial operation, the parties and the jurisdictions involved to define the appropriate contractual structure.
- 02
Drafting and review of international contracts
Drafting of sale, distribution, agency, service, licensing and joint venture agreements, with governing law and dispute resolution clauses.
- 03
Contract negotiation
Direct participation in negotiating commercial and legal terms with the foreign counterparty and its advisors.
- 04
Structuring dispute resolution mechanisms
Definition of arbitration, mediation or forum clauses suited to the size and risk of the transaction.
- 05
Counterparty due diligence
Preliminary verification of the corporate and contractual standing of the foreign counterparty before signing.
- 06
Managing contractual breach
Assessment of collection, renegotiation or litigation alternatives in the event of default by the counterparty.
Expected outcomes
Legal objectives of the work
Objectives pursued with technique and diligence. No result is guaranteed: decisions by authorities and administrative bodies are outside the firm's control.
- 01
Contract clear on rights, obligations and risk
The goal is to reduce the ambiguities that commonly generate disputes in international transactions.
- 02
Dispute resolution mechanism defined in advance
We seek to avoid uncertainty over forum or governing law in the event of a future conflict.
- 03
Negotiation conducted with technical parity
We work to balance the relationship with counterparties that already have their own legal advisors.
Method
How the work progresses
- 01
Diagnosis
Assessment of the business, the parties, each party's jurisdiction and the commercial and legal risks involved.
- 02
Strategy
Definition of the contractual structure, essential clauses and the client's negotiating position.
- 03
Implementation
Drafting, review and negotiation of the contract through to signature by the parties.
- 04
Follow-up
Support during contract performance, any amendments and the management of breaches.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is it possible to choose Brazilian law in a contract with a foreign company?
In many cases yes, through a specific clause, but validity and enforceability depend on the rules of each country and the type of contract; the assessment is made case by case.
Is arbitration always the best option for international contracts?
Not necessarily; the choice between arbitration, mediation and litigation depends on the value, nature of the business and the relationship between the parties.
Do you also handle the collection of breached contracts?
We handle the strategic assessment and conduct of collection and negotiation measures, including, where applicable, representation in judicial or arbitration proceedings.
Is an automatically translated contract sufficient to operate abroad?
Generally not recommended; translation without legal adaptation may result in clauses that are unenforceable or incompatible with the law of the destination country.
By jurisdiction
How this practice unfolds in each country
Related areas
Continue through connected practices
Informational content only, not a legal opinion. Rules, requirements and documents vary according to the specific case and may change; any decision requires an individual, up-to-date analysis.
International decisions call for legal clarity.
Start with the initial assessment or speak directly with the firm.
Confidential service · Brazil · Portugal · Paraguay