Press Release
4 April 2006
The Patent Office - Introduces Mediation Scheme to Solve Intellectual Property Disputes
The Patent Office is now promoting mediation as a means of encouraging Intellectual Property (IP) dispute resolution. On 3rd April the organisation implemented a new Mediation Service focused specifically on resolving disputes in the IP field.
The initiative forms part of a strategic awareness campaign advocating parties to consider mediation before cases reach the stage where court proceedings are undertaken.The initial phase is to stimulate general awareness of mediation. The Patent Office has provided comprehensive literature and guidance on the process, which is available to the public domain through the organisation's website.
The Patent Office will also play an assertive role in determining the suitability of mediation of cases which have already progressed to the stage of litigation. Therefore every case deemed appropriate will be encouraged to go to mediation by the Office's Hearing Officers.
The integration of the actual Mediation Service itself is the most significant part of the initiative. The objective of the service is to allow disputants to receive affordable mediation services either through an internal pool of trained mediators, who will be based in the London and Newport branches of the Office or through a selection of Civil Mediation Council (CMC) accredited mediation bodies or individuals who specialise in IP disputes. The ADR Group has been invited to participate in the scheme as a recognised CMC provider.
The service will accept cases referred through the court system, the Office's hearing process or those referred directly to the Patent Office. In a bid to make the process of IP mediation even more accessible,the Patent Office will be also be making their premises available for all parties involved in this particular area of dispute.
The primary reaction to the initiative has been extremely positive. With support from a number of senior individuals from the ADR community pledging their support to the motion.
Chief Executive of the Patent Office Ron Marchant says:
"The mediation service is another step forward as the Office evolves its services to comprehensively meet customer needs now and into the future by providing choice and flexibility."
For further information on the service visit the Patent Office website http://www.patent.gov.uk
Ends
About ADR Group
ADR Group is the leading professional alternative dispute resolution company in the UK. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an authority in mediation and other cost-effective dispute resolution and prevention techniques spanning commercial, public-sector and family disputes.
The Group delivers a wide range of dispute resolution training programmes through its training faculty, with all programmes recognised and approved by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council. ADR Group is also recognised as an accredited mediation provider by the Civil Mediation Counsel, the UK’s leading mediation standards organisation.
ADR Group is an organisation supporting initiatives approved by the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Court Service and various Court based mediation schemes around the country. The Group formed part of the European Commission’s ADR working party on the drafting and implementation of the EU ADR Code and Directive. ADR Group operates an International ADR Development Programme and has delivered mediation awareness and Judicial training programmes funded by the British Embassy, the Department for International Development and the World Bank Group.
For further information contact:
Katie Vander Woerd
E: Katie.vander-woerd@adrgroup.co.uk
T: +44 (0) 117 946 7180.
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