Frederic Jorge Rocafort-Pabon

Fred leads Harris Sliwoski’s intellectual property team and oversees the firm’s international practice, specializing in cross-border IP matters. With over a decade of international experience across China, Latin America, and beyond, Fred offers deep insight into global intellectual property challenges. A recognized authority on brand protection, he frequently serves as an expert witness in international IP litigation and arbitration. His clients often operate in cutting-edge industries that push the boundaries of existing IP frameworks, including cannabis, psychedelics, and Web3 technologies. Beyond IP law, Fred manages Harris Sliwoski’s Latin America desk, collaborating with the firm’s Mexico-based lawyers to facilitate complex, multilingual negotiations. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Spanish, he expertly navigates cross-border commercial and IP disputes involving diverse legal and cultural landscapes. Fred’s global IP career began in Guangzhou, where he served as a U.S. diplomat advocating for American businesses and stronger IP enforcement in China. In the private sector, he worked as a foreign legal advisor at a Shanghai-based law firm before joining one of the oldest American law firms in China, assisting foreign companies with Chinese legal complexities. He later led the legal team at a Hong Kong-based brand protection consultancy, focusing on anti-counterfeiting efforts and securing R&D and manufacturing operations across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. With his unique blend of legal expertise, linguistic fluency, and cultural understanding, Fred is a trusted advisor for companies navigating international IP challenges and cross-border enforcement and compliance.