Time- and Cost-Efficient Alternative Dispute Resolution Services for WIPO Re:Search
The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services that are regularly used by multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research and development (R&D) centers, universities and researchers from around the world.
A 25% reduction on the WIPO Center’s registration and administration fees applies if at least one party to the dispute is a WIPO Re:Search member.
WIPO life sciences and R&D related cases
Disputes in the area of life sciences and R&D can concern a wide range of issues faced by pharmaceutical, biosciences, medical devices and chemical industries as well as biodiversity-related issues. Highly specific subject matters may be of contractual or non-contractual nature involving, for example, patents, designs, trademarks, know-how or licensing. Disputes are often international and can relate to intellectual property (IP) and general commercial matters.
As time- and cost-efficient alternatives to court litigation, ADR mechanisms such as mediation or arbitration offer parties and their lawyers the opportunity to adopt practical and satisfactory solutions. ADR allows parties to choose a mediator, arbitrator or expert knowledgeable in the specific legal field, life science sector, IP and dispute resolution. It provides a neutral forum for resolving disputes through a procedure which permits to take into account parties’ business, research, strategic goals and preserve the relations between parties in research partnerships and R&D collaborations
The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
With offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Singapore, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center is a neutral, international and non-profit dispute resolution provider specializing in IP and technology related commercial disputes
The WIPO Center actively helps the parties to submit disputes to WIPO ADR procedures; assists in the selection of a specialized mediator(s), arbitrator(s) or expert(s) from the WIPO Center’s database or otherwise, and the setting of the neutral’s fees; and manages case communications and finances.
The WIPO Center can also assist with support services, including arranging for meeting and hearing rooms, wherever the parties have decided to situate their case. Throughout, the WIPO Center liaises with parties and neutrals to ensure optimal procedural efficiency.
The WIPO Center and the WIPO Global Challenges Division collaborate to raise awareness of the advantages of ADR for disputes related to R&D activities and life sciences.
WIPO Model ADR Clauses
To facilitate the referral of disputes to WIPO ADR procedures, the WIPO Center provides recommended contract clauses (for the submission of future disputes under a particular contract) and submission agreements (for existing disputes, including those referred by courts).
WIPO Good Offices
When parties are involved in an IP-related dispute, the WIPO Center can provide procedural assistance to them (Good Offices) in order to facilitate direct settlement between them or the submission of their dispute to WIPO mediation or arbitration.
Unilateral request for mediation option
The WIPO Center is regularly contacted in relation to disputes where one party wishes to submit a dispute to mediation, but no mediation agreement exists between the parties, for example in patent infringement disputes or in cases pending before the courts. Under the WIPO Mediation Rules, a party may submit a unilateral Request for Mediation to the WIPO Center. The WIPO Center may then assist the parties or, upon request, may appoint an external neutral to provide the required assistance.
Settlement rates
WIPO ADR procedures are organized to stimulate positive opportunities for settlement. 70% of the mediations administered by the WIPO Center have resulted in settlement by the parties. Even in arbitration, some 40% of WIPO cases are settled by the parties prior to a formal award.
Resources
Contact
| Arbitration and Mediation Center Geneva | Arbitration and Mediation Center Singapore |
|---|---|
| Chemin des Colombettes 34 1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland T +41 338 8247 or 0800 888 549 F +4122 740 3700 or 0800 888 550 |
Maxwell Chambers 28 Maxwell Road #02-14 Singapore 069120 T +65 6225 2129 F +65 6225 3568 |
General queries: arbiter.mail@wipo.int