UKPO Lauches Mediation Service

The UK Patent Office has launched a new mediation service to help companies and individuals involved in intellectual property (IP) disputes.

The parties may select any mediator of their choice, whether it be one of the Office's accredited mediators, one from the example list of available mediators or any other external provider. The parties may also decline to mediate, but "they should be aware that where a party unreasonably refuses ADR /mediation, it is at the discretion of the Hearing Officer whether to take account of this when considering an award for costs." Where the parties agree to mediate, the Office will stay the proceedings further until the mediation has been completed.

The charges for the provision of a Patent Office mediator and accommodation at their London office, Harmsworth House, are £750 (plus VAT) for a half day and £1000 (plus VAT) for a full day. For mediation held at their Newport Office, the charges are £500 (plus VAT) and £750 (plus VAT) respectively. These are total costs including mediators travel and expenses, and will be borne equally by the parties unless agreed otherwise.