The International Comparative Legal Guide To: Class & Group Actions 2014

1 CLASS/GROUP ACTIONS

1.1 Do you have a specific procedure for handling a series or group of related claims? If so, please outline this.

Yes, Brazil has some specific federal laws that provide for a group of related claims, commonly named in the country as class actions or collective claims. It is important to note that the Brazilian class actions system differs from the class action procedures in the USA in several aspects.

1.2 Do these rules apply to all areas of law or to certain sectors only e.g. competition law, security/financial services? Please outline any rules relating to specific areas of law.

The Brazilian class actions system aims to protect the environment, consumers, the cultural patrimony, economic/antitrust rights and other so-called diffuse, collective, and homogeneous individual interests. Tax matters are excluded from group litigation.