Harris Gao is a partner in the Intellectual Property, Business Trial and Corporate Practice Groups in the firm's Shanghai office.

Areas of Practice

Harris is a registered U.S. patent attorney with a track record in international IP litigation and technology transactions, and he is particularly active in assisting Chinese companies and investors in strategic investments and critical technology acquisitions. 

Harris’ patent practice focuses on the high-tech and life science areas. He is experienced with a variety of technologies, including computer, software, semiconductor, telecommunication, the Internet and e-commerce, Cleantech, medical devices, chemistry, pharmaceutical and biotechnologies. Harris has a master’s degree in physics, worked as a software engineer before law school, and has extensive experience representing life science companies. His in-depth knowledge of the U.S. and Chinese patent systems enables him to offer his clients comprehensive advices on their global IP strategies.

Harris’ litigation practice encompass a wide variety of cross-border disputes, including patent litigation, trade secrets, securities litigation and enforcement, FCPA investigation, antitrust, product liability, complex commercial litigation, and international arbitration. He is experienced with a wide variety of litigation forums, including the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), and the United States International Trade Commission (USITC). He also advises clients on issues before various regulatory agencies in the Unites States and China. Harris’ deep understanding of the cultural and legal differences between the U.S. and China enables him to offer his clients effective solutions to their cross-border disputes.

Harris' technology transaction practice includes IP licensing, technology alliance, research and development, outsourcing, and manufacturing and supply agreements. He has extensive experience assisting multinational companies and Chinese companies in structuring and negotiating cross-border transactions where intellectual property is a significant component.

Harris’ corporate practice includes venture capital and private equity financing, cross-border mergers and acquisitions and strategic investments, and capital market transactions, with a focus on assisting clients acquiring critical technologies strategic to their business. Harris is also experienced on various regulatory issues involving in those transactions, including VIE, antitrust, and CFIUS review.    

Before relocating to Shanghai, Harris practiced law with international law firms in New York City and California.