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Free IP mediation services by WIPO following historic IPOS trademark dispute
30 June 2020
WIPO is set to offer free IP mediation services for new requests in a move to support businesses affected by the global pandemic. These include pending disputes at IPOS and copyright disputes in Singapore.
The free IP mediation services may be availed until August 31, 2020.
Complimentary access to eADR - WIPO’s online case management tool – and its videoconferencing facilities will also be provided.
This development comes following the successful holding of IPOS’ first trademark dispute via videoconferencing.
Administered by the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center), the online session had 10 participants and was conducted for two full days during the Covid-19 Circuit Breaker period in Singapore. As with standard mediation processes, the discussions were private and confidential. The parties reached settlement despite disruptions and inconveniences in connection with the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.
“Building on the WIPO Center’s extensive online dispute resolution experience, the success of this WIPO-IPOS case highlights the flexibility of mediation to adapt to parties’ needs in rapidly changing circumstances,” says Erik Wilbers, director of WIPO Center. “Conducting the proceeding through virtual meetings added time and cost efficiencies, while maintaining the integrity of the dispute resolution process.”
MOI Law Corporation managing director Moi Sok Ling who served as mediator for the case also had good words about the experience. “Online mediation, which is convenient, cost and time effective, provides an attractive option for businesses looking to resolve their disputes with certainty and expediency,” she says. “I am grateful for the opportunity to pioneer this development.”
Earlier in June, IPOS also held its first opposition hearing by videoconference over Zoom.
Espie Angelica A. de Leon
