Resolving disputes

Occasionally, intellectual property (IP) can lead to disputes. For example, this could be about ownership, what your IP cover or because you have infringed someone's IP.

In many cases, it is better for parties to negotiate a solution before taking legal action in the courts. Using an Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, can often be cheaper and quicker and the results of a decision can be beneficial to all parties.

You should contact your legal adviser, patent or trade mark attorney before taking any action in a dispute.

Mediation

Mediation is one form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It allows opposing parties to talk about their dispute and, hopefully, come to an agreement without the need for a court hearing. The mediator's job is not to reach a decision on the dispute but to help the parties work out possible solutions to it.

The outcome is not binding and parties can continue with proceeding if mediation fails.

Our mediation service may help you if you are involved in a dispute concerning a design, patent, trade mark or a work protected by copyright.