In a mediation procedure, a neutral intermediary, the mediator, helps the parties to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement of their dispute. Any settlement is recorded in an enforceable contract.
Mediation is an efficient and cost-effective way of settling a case while preserving, and at times even enhancing, the relationship of the parties.
The principal characteristics of mediation are:
- Mediation is a non-binding procedure controlled by the parties
- Mediation is a confidential procedure
- Mediation is an interest-based procedure
Parties involved in proceedings pending before national courts may submit their dispute to WIPO Mediation by filing their agreement for WIPO Mediation with the WIPO Center.
Recommended Model Submission Agreement to WIPO Mediation
“We, the undersigned parties, hereby agree to submit to mediation in accordance with the WIPO Mediation Rules the following dispute:
[brief description of the dispute]
The place of mediation shall be [specify place]. The language to be used in the mediation shall be [specify language].”
Upon receiving the agreement to WIPO Mediation, the WIPO Center will contact the parties regarding the appointment of the mediator and the applicable fees. While the parties are free to identify a suitable candidate for such appointment themselves, the WIPO Center is available to assist with the provision of a shortlist of qualified candidates taking account of the requirements of the case.
Example of a dispute pending before national courts referred to WIPO Mediation:
Unilateral Request for WIPO Mediation
Parties usually use mediation through their joint adoption of a WIPO contract clause or dispute submission agreement. Where there is no mediation clause or agreement between the parties, the WIPO Mediation Rules facilitate submission of a dispute to mediation. This can also be helpful in a court environment that encourages mediation. A party that wishes to propose referring a dispute to WIPO Mediation can submit a Request for Mediation to the WIPO Center, which may then assist both parties in agreeing to use mediation.
Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute. In choosing arbitration, the parties opt for a private dispute resolution procedure instead of going to court.
The principal characteristics of arbitration are:
- Arbitration is consensual
- The parties choose the arbitrator(s)
- Arbitration is neutral
- Arbitration is a confidential procedure
- The decision of the arbitral tribunal is final and easy to enforce
Parties involved in proceedings pending before national courts may submit their dispute to WIPO Arbitration by filing their agreement for WIPO Arbitration with the WIPO Center.
Recommended Model Submission Agreement to WIPO Arbitration
“We, the undersigned parties, hereby agree that the following dispute shall be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the WIPO Arbitration Rules:
[brief description of the dispute]
The arbitral tribunal shall consist of [a sole arbitrator][three arbitrators]. The place of arbitration shall be [specify place]. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be [specify language]. The dispute shall be decided in accordance with the law of [specify jurisdiction].”
Upon receiving the agreement to WIPO Arbitration, the WIPO Center will contact the parties regarding the appointment of the arbitrator(s) and the applicable fees. While the parties are free to identify suitable candidates for such appointment themselves, the WIPO Center is available to assist with the provision of a shortlist of qualified candidates taking account of the requirements of the case.
The WIPO Center also offers WIPO Expedited Arbitration services, a form of arbitration that is carried out in a shortened time frame and at a reduced cost.
Example of a dispute pending before national courts referred to WIPO Arbitration:
Expert determination is a consensual ADR service offered by the WIPO Center in which a technical, scientific or related business issue between the parties is submitted to one or more experts who make a determination on the matter.
The principal characteristics of expert determination are:
- Expert determination is consensual
- The parties choose the expert(s) with relevant expertise
- Expert determination is neutral and flexible
- Expert determination is a confidential procedure
- The determination of an expert is binding, unless the parties agree otherwise
- Expert determination is a flexible procedure
Examples of matters that may benefit from expert determination include:
- The valuation of intellectual property assets or the determination of royalty rates;
- The interpretation of the claims of a patent;
- The extent of the rights that are covered by a license;
- The assessment of damages.
Parties involved in proceedings pending before national courts may submit their entire dispute or a specific technical or scientific issue to WIPO Expert Determination by filing their agreement for WIPO Expert Determination with the WIPO Center.
Recommended Model Submission Agreement to WIPO Expert Determination
“We, the undersigned parties, hereby agree to submit to expert determination in accordance with the WIPO Expert Determination Rules the following matter:
[brief description of the matter referred to expert determination]
The determination made by the expert shall [not] be binding upon the parties. The language to be used in the expert determination shall be [specify language].”
Upon receiving the Agreement to WIPO Expert Determination, the WIPO Center will contact the parties regarding the appointment of the expert and the applicable fees. While the parties are free to identify a suitable candidate for such appointment themselves, the WIPO Center is available to assist with the provision of a shortlist of qualified candidates taking account of the requirements of the case.