GownowApp’s Unicorn Startup Files Landmark $2.25 Billion Lawsuit Against Meta Inc. for Unauthorized Use of Revolutionary Technology

São Paulo, September 19, 2024 – GownowApp, a groundbreaking startup valued at $2.25 billion, has filed an updated legal action against Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.) and its subsidiary WhatsApp Inc., for the unauthorized use of its patented technology in the WhatsApp Business platform. The lawsuit, now reaching Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ), aims to secure royalties and damages worth R$13.73 billion (approx. US$2.75 billion) for the global use of GownowApp’s intellectual property.

The Case: A Legal Battle for Intellectual Property

GownowApp’s Unicorn Startup Files Landmark $2.25 Billion Lawsuit Against Meta Inc. for Unauthorized Use of Revolutionary Technology

The lawsuit alleges that WhatsApp Business, launched by Meta in 2018, is a direct copy of the GownowApp technology, which was registered and protected under U.S. intellectual property law. The GownowApp team claims that Meta utilized this technology without permission after it was submitted for a potential partnership, which never materialized. The case has escalated to the STJ after being filed in the São Paulo State Court (TJ-SP) in 2021.

Key Developments and Global Impact

Recent revelations from Meta’s Latin America CEO, Maren Lau, disclosed that WhatsApp Business generates over US$10 billion in annual revenue, significantly higher than previous estimates. This disclosure dramatically alters the financial implications of the lawsuit, raising the potential compensation due to GownowApp. Brazilian copyright law entitles creators to at least 5% of profits from the unauthorized use of their intellectual property, which brings the revised claim to an astounding R$13.73 billion.

GownowApp’s Technology: Powering Global Business

GownowApp’s technology, originally designed to optimize communication for businesses, has been used by more than 180 countries and for over 3 billion users worldwide through the WhatsApp Business platform. The case highlights the vast global impact of the startup's innovation, which Meta has leveraged to fuel its global dominance in the business communication space.

Legal Implications and Industry Precedent

The case now stands at a pivotal moment as the STJ will decide whether Meta’s failure to file a defense on time (a procedural default known as “revelia”) constitutes a tacit admission of guilt. If the court rules in favor of GownowApp, the outcome could set a critical precedent for intellectual property rights enforcement in Brazil and globally.

The GownowApp team, led by CEO Paulo E. M. Pelegrini, remains open to negotiation but is prepared to continue the legal fight for fair compensation for the use of its technology. "This case is about more than just one company; it is about ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their innovations, no matter how big the opposing corporation may be," said Pelegrini.

GownowApp in the Brazilian Media

The legal battle between GownowApp and Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.), centered on the unauthorized use of GownowApp’s patented technology, has already gained significant attention in the Brazilian media. In 2022, leading tech news outlets such as Terra Mobile and Mundo Conectado reported on the case, providing detailed coverage of the allegations made by the Brazilian developer against Meta for copying his patented technology in the development of WhatsApp Business.

Here are the links to the key articles:

1. Brazilian accuses WhatsApp of unauthorized use of his patent; WhatsApp claims the author 'only had an idea' – Terra Mobile
   This article outlines the early stages of the dispute, where the developer behind GownowApp claimed that Meta had incorporated his patented business communication technology into WhatsApp Business without proper authorization. WhatsApp, in its defense, argued that the developer’s submission was merely an idea and not a fully-fledged solution.

2. WhatsApp Business: Brazilian Developer Claims His Patent Was Copied by Meta Group – Mundo Conectado
   Mundo Conectado provided further insights into the case, highlighting the developer's frustration over Meta’s alleged appropriation of his intellectual property. The article delves into the legal ramifications and the global implications of the lawsuit, as the technology at the center of the dispute is used by billions of users worldwide.

These reports have played a crucial role in raising public awareness of the case within Brazil, showcasing GownowApp’s fight to protect its intellectual property rights and underscoring the significance of this legal battle, not only for the company but also for other innovators and startups facing similar challenges against tech giants.

A Global Unicorn

GownowApp, which emerged from Brazil’s growing tech ecosystem and was accelerated by the Santos Technology Park, achieved unicorn status in 2022. The startup continues to draw attention from global investors and major tech players for its innovative contributions to business communication technology.

For further information on the case and updates, please visit the official GownowApp website or contact the media relations team at chestermpelegrini@gmail.com.