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 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 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.
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
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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
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