Your argument has the same merit as gun control advocates. Guns don't cause crime and free trade doesn't cause patent infringement.
You are absolutely correct.
Free trade is critical to our wellbeing and has been for decades.
"Free trade" as in transfer of technology, wealth, and production to developing countries IS NOT free trade. It is those "emerging nations" that are the problem especially the Chi-coms.
I and others have tried repeatedly to make the distinction. That is why we say "free trade". That is why we say "free trade", That is why we say "free trade". . . .
We are not talking about free trade with countries capable of earning their competitive advantage the old fashion way by developing their economies without stealing.