Frederic Jorge Rocafort-Pabon

I lead Harris Sliwoski’s intellectual property team and oversee our international practice, with a particular focus on cross-border IP matters.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked across China, Latin America, and beyond, developing a deep understanding of the global IP landscape. My work often centers on brand protection, and I’m frequently called upon to serve as an expert witness in international IP litigation and arbitration. Many of my clients operate in fast-evolving sectors — like cannabis, psychedelics, and Web3 — where the legal frameworks are still catching up with innovation.

Beyond IP, I also manage Harris Sliwoski’s Latin America desk, collaborating closely with our Mexico-based lawyers. I regularly facilitate complex, multilingual negotiations involving Chinese-, English-, and Spanish-speaking stakeholders. My fluency in all three languages has been a key asset in helping clients navigate high-stakes international disputes and transactions.

My global IP journey started in Guangzhou, where I served as a U.S. diplomat focused on securing fair treatment for American businesses and advocating for stronger IP enforcement in China. From there, I transitioned to the private sector — first as a foreign legal advisor at a Shanghai law firm, then as part of one of the oldest American firms operating in China. Later, I led the legal team at a Hong Kong-based brand protection consultancy, helping companies protect their IP and operations across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

This combination of legal, linguistic, and cultural fluency has shaped how I work: I’m passionate about helping clients solve the tough, cross-border IP challenges that come with operating in a global economy.