The Madrid System for Trademarks: Powerful, But Not Always the Right Tool
Learn when to use the Madrid System for international trademark registration and when to avoid it. Expert guidance on global trademark protection.
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.
Russia’s IP Crackdown: A Warning for Brands in China
Russia Non-Use Cancellation Actions Signal Risk for Foreign Trademark Holders in China Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, foreign trademark owners have faced an increasingly volatile and unpredictable intellectual property environment. Forced to navigate a spider’s web of sanctions, corporate exits, and deteriorating diplomatic relations, many international brands scaled back or fully withdrew from
Navigating Trademark “Use” in China: Your Essential Guide
Navigating Trademark “Use” in China: Your Essential Guide The Cornerstone of Chinese IP Law: Understanding Trademark “Use” Navigating trademark law in China can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what counts as legitimate trademark “use.” This guide will help you understand the key aspects of trademark use under Chinese law. It offers actionable
Move Your China Trademarks NOW—Before It’s Too Late
Transferring Your China Trademarks: How to Move Them Safely and Strategically If your China trademarks are still owned by your China-based entity or by a company actively doing business in China, you’re exposed to significant legal and operational risks. These trademarks are valuable IP assets—but because they are registered in China, they remain subject to
What the Daniel Sancho Case Teaches About Legal Risks Abroad: Key Lessons for Doing Business Overseas
Key Lessons for Doing Business Overseas In August 2024, a Thai court sentenced Spaniard Daniel Sancho to life in prison for the murder and dismemberment of Colombian plastic surgeon Edwin Arrieta. The crime occurred on the Thai holiday island of Koh Pha-ngan, better known for full moon parties than high-profile criminal cases. The case attracted
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China Trademarks and Non-Use Cancellations: The Stakes Just Got Higher
New Standards for Non-Use China Trademark Cancellations Foreign brand owners have long relied on non-use cancellations (NUCs) as a powerful tool to clear the path for trademark registration in China, particularly in instances where an unrelated party had previously registered the mark in question in bad faith. Under Article 49(2) of China’s Trademark Law, any
Navigating the Trade War: Perspective, Patience, and Planning
Tariffs, Turbulence, and the Need to Stay Steady With each new round of tariff hikes and rollbacks—not to mention the inevitable retaliations—economic uncertainty deepens. Volatility in the stock markets mirrors this anxiety, as businesses and investors try to anticipate what comes next. It’s only natural to feel unsettled. But for companies that depend on imports,
International Trademark Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Madrid System (2025)
Comprehensive guide on international trademark registration under the Madrid System. Learn eligibility, application steps, costs, and protection details. Start protecting your brand globally today.
International Trademark FAQs
Understanding International Trademark Basics Protecting your brand internationally is essential to prevent counterfeiting, unauthorized use, and legal conflicts. This Q&A covers key trademark principles, international registration options, enforcement strategies, and practical considerations to help businesses secure and defend their trademarks worldwide. A. The Basic International Trademark Questions 1. What is a trademark, and why is