This seminar will consider the fundamentals behind arbitration and mediation in the trade marks context.

The morning session will focus on trademark arbitration, although in practice still quite rare. The sessions will share experiences with arbitrated trademark disputes. Delegates will hear the perspectives of an experienced arbitrator, a party representative and a representative of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre.

The afternoon session will consider the fundamentals behind mediation of trade mark disputes and when it might be appropriate. Delegates will hear the perspective of both a mediator as well as that of a lawyer representing a client at mediation and how a lawyer can help. How to mediate trade mark disputes in the US will be discussed and a speaker from OHIM will present about using their mediation service.