The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) will launch a new Mediation Promotion Scheme on 1 April 2016.
The Mediation Promotion Scheme is designed to encourage parties to settle disputes amicably without a hearing at IPOS. The Scheme will fund parties who opt for mediation in IPOS disputes up to S$5,500 per mediation case, regardless of the outcome. IPOS has projected that the scheme will benefit many parties in IP disputes over the next three years.
Parties can appoint a mediation institution of their choice, such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation Arbitration and Mediation Center, Singapore International Mediation Centre or Singapore Mediation Centre, to mediate their dispute in Singapore.
There are a number of pre-requisites for the Mediation Promotion Scheme. Parties must submit an existing dispute at IPOS to mediation. They must also:
- agree to an observer at the mediation
- provide feedback on the mediation
- advise IPOS of agent’s fees
There is also a simple three-step application process.
More information on the Scheme is available on IPOS’ website.
Examples of WIPO mediated proceedings initiated in the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) can be found here.
