TJSP strikes down 99Food exclusivity clauses against Keeta

The Court of Justice of São Paulo (TJSP) has unanimously overturned exclusivity clauses imposed by 99Food on partner restaurants. These contractual terms prohibited establishments from working with Keeta, an international arm of the Chinese company Meituan.

Judges ruled that the clauses were illegal, describing them as a “naked restraint” that offered no operational efficiency or commercial justification other than to negatively impact a competitor. The court also increased the fine from R$ 100,000 to R$ 3 million, noting that Keeta estimated daily losses of approximately R$ 3 million due to these restrictions.

The decision is valid throughout Brazil and is expected to serve as legal precedent for similar disputes. The Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) supported the ruling, emphasizing its importance for market competition and restaurant freedom.