Fred Rocafort

Fred leads Harris Sliwoski’s intellectual property practice and is the coordinator of the firm’s international team. Much of Fred’s practice consists of helping cannabis businesses protect their brands. He also works with entrepreneurs and companies entering the Web3 space, a new frontier for IP law. Prior to joining Harris Sliwoski, Fred worked overseas for more than a decade, in both government and private sector roles. Fred is a regular contributor to the award-winning China Law Blog and Canna Law Blog.

Fred began his career overseas as a U.S. consular officer in Guangzhou, China, where he advocated for fairer treatment of American companies and citizens in China and for stronger intellectual property rights enforcement. After entering the private sector, Fred worked at a Shanghai law firm as a foreign legal advisor and later joined one of the oldest American law firms in China, helping foreign companies navigate the Chinese legal environment. He also led the legal team at a Hong Kong-based brand protection consultancy, spending most of his time out in the field, protecting clients against counterfeiters and fraudsters in Greater China, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

In addition to his IP work, as a native Spanish speaker, Fred works closely with different Harris Sliwoski teams on Latin America and Spain matters. Fred also provides advice to cannabis industry participants and other businesses on import and export transactions.

Fred is an ardent supporter of FC Barcelona—and would be even in the absence of Catalan forebears who immigrated to Puerto Rico in the mid-1800s.

Mexico Data Protection Law Firm

Mexico’s Data Breach Notification Statutes: A Comprehensive Guide

Mexico Data Breach Laws In the digital era, the protection of personal data is paramount for maintaining trust and ensuring privacy. Mexico’s Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties (the “Law”) establishes stringent requirements for personal data breach notifications, underscoring the importance of safeguarding sensitive information. This comprehensive guide delves

How to Choose a United States Trademark Lawyer

How to Choose Your United States Trademark Lawyer

How to Choose Your United States Trademark Lawyer When building a successful brand, safeguarding your intellectual property is paramount. Trademarks and copyrights are vital tools in protecting your brand’s unique elements and ensuring your business’s longevity. This guide will help you navigate the trademark registration process and provide practical tips on selecting the right U.S.

Mexico Judges

Judicial Reform in Mexico—or AMLO Power Play?

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) proposed judicial reform in Mexico has sparked significant controversy. The primary aim is to reshape the country’s legal system by increasing transparency, efficiency, and democratic accountability. However, the most radical proposal—popular election of judges—has raised concerns about potential risks to judicial independence and the overall functioning of the justice

United States LLC Operating Agreements

United States LLC Operating Agreements — Don’t Skip ‘Em!

United States LLC Operating Agreements LLC operating agreements establish how a limited liability company is to be run and are equivalent to a corporation’s bylaws (see Doing Business in the United States: The Laws You Should Know for more information on LLCs and corporations). In most states, including some very popular ones for forming LLCs,

A cartoon figure leans on a surface, appearing puzzled, with question marks and trademark symbols 'TM' above their head against a beige background.

United States Trademark Symbols: What’s the Deal with TM, SM, and ®?

Trademark symbols are the subject of regular questions from clients and even people with whom I have casual conversations, once they find out I am a trademark lawyer. In this post, I’ll briefly explain when it’s appropriate to use each symbol. By the time you finish reading, you should be able to understand why I

USPTO trademark cost

USPTO Proposes to Raise United States Trademark Fees

USPTO Trademark Costs Will be Increasing The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) wants to raise certain trademark fees, consistent with its fee-setting authority. If USPTO’s proceeds with their current plans (which it almost certainly will), the costs associated with trademark registration in the United States will go up considerably for trademark owners. In

The image shows the Angel of Independence in Mexico City with rising bar graphs and an upward arrow, featuring a semi-transparent Mexican flag overlay. High-rise buildings are visible in the background.

A Mexico Company Formation Guide

Forming a Company in Mexico Mexico’s economy is booming, driven by a young and tech-savvy population, its strategic location next to the US, favorable trade deals with North America and the EU, and a government eager to attract foreign investment. This surge has attracted a wave of companies from various industries, all eager to tap

A red pushpin marks San Francisco on a detailed road map, highlighting surrounding cities and road networks.

San Francisco and Oakland in Trademark Battle over Airport Name

San Francisco vs. Oakland: Trademark Battle Over Airport Name San Francisco and Oakland are embroiled in a court dispute over the Oakland Airport’s plan to rename its airport “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.” Without doubt, this’ll be an interesting case to watch, as the court determines whether Oakland’s actions constitute trademark infringement. It is

HB logo on gray background

U.S. Trademark Scams are on the Rise . . . . SO BEWARE!

The Increasing Threat of Trademark Scams Trademark scams are on the rise, as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) warns. If you get a concerning email about your trademark, there is a good chance it’s a trademark scam — but sometimes unsolicited emails are legit (or sort of), in the sense that they are

Mexico Trademarks

Mexico Trademarks: What You Need to Know

The Global/Mexico Trademark Landscape In a world where trademark identity is often a company’s most valuable asset, protecting that identity in foreign markets is crucial. Mexico, with its growing economy and strategic geographic location, has become a hotspot for many international companies. However, without a solid understanding of its trademark regulations, companies run the risk