Advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution in Intellectual Property and Technology
A two-day international conference on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and intellectual property protection concluded in Qatar, bringing together leading experts to discuss IP challenges, including disputes, legislative frameworks, and development strategies. The conference was co-organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) participated in two sessions, underscoring its statutory role under Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and its commitment to advancing ADR as a preferred alternative to litigation.
Key Takeaways:
- The workshop provided participants with practical guidance on WIPO rules for mediation and arbitration, best practices in court-referred mediation, and the drafting of ADR clauses.
- Attendees explored the full mediation process from negotiation to final settlement while developing essential skills for mediators.
- Sessions addressed the role of parties and neutrals, distinctions between mediation and other dispute resolution methods, and integration of WIPO procedures into both domestic and cross-border strategies.
- The event attracted a diverse audience from across the GCC, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE.
- Discussions examined the relationship between intellectual property and sports-related legislation, including e-sports, and highlighted how ADR mechanisms can resolve such disputes efficiently.
- Senior experts from WIPO, international law firms, and regional courts led the sessions.
- Participants received certificates of attendance at the conclusion of the workshop.
- The QICDRC aims to contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of investors and business owners while supporting innovation and sustainable growth.
- Mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property, as evidenced by the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center.
Sources:
- World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
- Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC)
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017
- International Law Association GCC branch