Ricardo Barretto Ferreira da Silva

TMT, Intelectual Property, Tax, Corporate Law, M&A, Litigation, Life Sciences, Data Protection and Privacy

Senior Partner at Campos Thomaz Advogados with over 50 years of experience in Corporate Law, Tax, M&A, Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, Telecommunications, Privacy, Data Protection, and Artificial Intelligence.

A national reference in the technology sector, Ricardo has played a key role in regulatory milestones and structuring projects that continue to shape the legal and technological landscape in Brazil and Latin America.

Graduated from the University of São Paulo (USP) Law School in 1973. Conducted graduate research in Taxation and Corporate Law at the University of North Dakota, USA (1974).

Throughout his career, Ricardo held leadership positions in prominent national and international legal and technology associations, including ABDTIC, ITechLaw, AmCham Brazil, the American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association, making significant contributions to the development of technology regulation in Brazil and Latin America.

Recognized by Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Leaders League, Who's Who Legal, and Law Business Research as one of Brazil's leading lawyers in technology and TMT.

Co-founder, Vice-President (1989–1994), and President (1995–1998) – Brazilian Information Technology and Telecommunications Association (ABDTIC);

Chair of the Membership Latin America Committee (1993–1995), Board Member (1995–2001 and 2003–2005), Vice-President (2001–2003) – International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw);

Representative of ABDTIC at the International Federation of Computer Law Associations – European Union (8 years);

Chairman of the Legislation Committee (1991–1992), Board Member (1991–1993), and Legal Counsel (1992–1993) – American Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo (AmCham Brazil);

Chair of the Legislation Committee and President – Brazilian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (camara-e.net);

Vice-Chair of the Comparative Law Subcommittee of the Inter-American Legislative Committee – American Bar Association (ABA) (2001–2004);

Vice-Chair of the Information Technology Protection Subcommittee – International Bar Association (IBA) (2002–2004).

"Doing Business in Brazil" – Chambers & Partners, 2025;

"TMT in Brazil" – Chambers & Partners, 2025;

"Technology, Media, Telecommunications, Intellectual Property, Copyright, Data Protection and Privacy in Brazil" – Legal 500, 2024;

"Tech M&A in Brazil" – Lexology, 2023;

"Foreign Investment in South America – Comprehensive Guide to Infrastructure and the Legal Environment" – American Bar Association (ABA), 2018;

"A Guide to Doing Business in South America" – American Bar Association (ABA), 2011 (2nd edition 2015);

"Doing Business in Brazil" – American Bar Association (ABA), 2002;

"Computer Law in Latin America" – Computer Law Association, Washington D.C., 1977.

Over 50 years of experience advising national and international clients on Corporate Law, Tax, M&A, Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, Telecommunications, Privacy, Data Protection, and Artificial Intelligence.

Played a key role in regulatory milestones and structuring projects that shaped the legal and technological landscape in Brazil and Latin America, including foundational work in IT regulation, telecommunications, and digital markets.

Co-founder and President of ABDTIC, the Brazilian Information Technology and Telecommunications Association, contributing directly to the development of Brazil's technology regulatory framework from its early stages.

Board Member and Vice-President of ITechLaw (International Technology Law Association), representing Brazil in international forums on technology law for over a decade.

Author and editor of reference works on foreign investment, corporate law, and technology published by the American Bar Association, including guides on doing business in Brazil and South America adopted by international investors and legal practitioners.

Regular contributor to Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, and Lexology on TMT, M&A, and technology regulation in Brazil.

Senior Partner at Campos Thomaz Advogados, with over 50 years of experience in Corporate Law, Tax, M&A, Intellectual Property, Technology, Media, Telecommunications, Privacy, Data Protection, and Artificial Intelligence.

Graduated from the University of São Paulo (USP) Law School in 1973. Alumni of the Institute of World Affairs, Connecticut, USA (1973). Conducted graduate research in Taxation and Corporate Law at the University of North Dakota, USA (1974).

Co-founder and President of ABDTIC, the Brazilian Information Technology and Telecommunications Association. Board Member and Vice-President of ITechLaw. Leadership roles at AmCham Brazil, the American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association spanning over three decades.

Recognized by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Leaders League, Who's Who Legal, and Law Business Research as one of Brazil's leading lawyers in technology and TMT.

Author and editor of reference works published by the American Bar Association on foreign investment and doing business in Brazil and South America, adopted by international investors and legal practitioners worldwide.

University of São Paulo (USP)

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)

1969 - 1973

Institute of World Affairs, Connecticut

Alumni Program

1973 - 1973

University of North Dakota

Graduate Research in Taxation and Corporate Law

1974 - 1974

Leading Lawyer in Technology and TMT

Chambers and Partners

Leading Lawyer in TMT

The Legal 500

Leading Lawyer in Technology

Who's Who Legal

Leading Lawyer in Technology

Law Business Research

Technology and Telecommunications: Foundational experience in IT regulation, telecommunications law, and digital markets, including advisory roles in landmark regulatory projects in Brazil and Latin America;

Corporate and M&A: Extensive experience structuring corporate transactions, foreign investments, and M&A deals involving technology and media companies operating in Brazil;

Intellectual Property and Media: Advises on copyright, trademarks, licensing, and content regulation for media, entertainment, and technology companies;

Privacy and Data Protection: Advisory experience on data protection compliance, AI governance, and privacy frameworks for national and international clients;

Tax and Commercial: Broad expertise in tax planning and commercial agreements for technology, telecommunications, and media businesses operating in Brazil.

Brazil. Ricardo also has academic and professional experience in United States law, having conducted graduate research at the University of North Dakota and participated in leadership roles at the American Bar Association, advising international clients on cross-border matters and foreign investment involving Brazilian jurisdiction.