The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have launched the WIPO-ASEAN Mediation Programme (AMP+) under the WIPO-ASEAN memorandum of understanding to encourage more ASEAN nationals and business entities to opt for mediation.

Under the AMP+, funding will be provided for 1) Mediation for Disputes, which will cover cases where the parties are involved in IP- or technology-related disputes administered by the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre’s Singapore office, and 2) Deal Mediation, which involves a mediator assisting the parties. For Deal Mediation, funding is given for contract negotiations where parties cannot agree on contractual terms.

Up to S$3,000 (US$2,200) will be provided for any dispute or negotiation where at least one of the parties is an ASEAN national or entity. The ASEAN member states are Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei and Myanmar.

Parties may appoint a mediator based in any ASEAN member state, including someone who speaks their most familiar language. In cases when a Singapore-based mediator is appointed, IPOS will provide additional funding of up to S$2,000 (US$1,470). The funding will be shared equally between the two parties unless agreed otherwise.

A shadow mediator may also be appointed.

Previous AMP cases have demonstrated a 100-percent success rate and were resolved quickly, proving that mediation is a viable option for solving disputes.

IPOS will accept applications for AMP+ from January 23, 2025, to December 31, 2025, or until the AMP+ fund is drawn down. For more information on AMP+, click here.

- Espie Angelica A. de Leon