WIPO Mediation for Copyright Disputes in Singapore

The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) collaborates with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore to promote the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve copyright disputes.

ADR procedures, such as mediation and arbitration, constitute alternatives to court litigation. ADR is appropriate for most intellectual property (IP) related commercial disputes, and especially between parties from different jurisdictions. ADR can enhance parties’ control over the dispute resolution process and, if well-managed, can save time and money. The WIPO Center offers ADR options to enable parties to efficiently settle their domestic or cross-border disputes.

WIPO ADR procedures are organized to stimulate positive opportunities for party settlement. Almost 70% of the mediation procedures administered by the WIPO Center have settled. Even in arbitration, 40% of WIPO cases settle before any formal decision is issued.

WIPO Mediation Services in the Area of Copyright

WIPO mediation services may be used for any copyright disputes in Singapore, including any:

1. Proceedings before the Copyright Tribunal, such as licensing disputes between collective management organizations and persons who may require copyright licences;
2. Disputes relating to collective management even if they do not fall within the Copyright Tribunal’s jurisdiction, such as disputes between collective management organizations and their members;
3. Disputes relating to orphan works, such as any remuneration payable to copyright owners who are found after their works have been used; and
4. Copyright disputes before the Singapore courts

The WIPO Mediation option may be especially advantageous for parties seeking to achieve global settlement of multiple related disputes, especially international parties with related disputes in multiple jurisdictions.

• Administration of Disputes

A WIPO Mediation commences with the submission to the WIPO Center in Singapore of Request for WIPO Mediation.

The WIPO Center will then contact the parties regarding the next steps of the procedure, the fees and the appointment of the mediator. The parties are free to identify themselves a suitable candidate for such appointment. The WIPO Center is available to assist with the provision of a shortlist of qualified mediator candidates.

In its role as administering institution, the WIPO Center maintains strict neutrality and independence.

• WIPO Panel of Neutrals for Copyright Disputes

Effective proceedings to a large extent depend on the quality of the mediator, arbitrator or expert. The WIPO Center maintains an open-ended Panel, including mediators, arbitrators and experts from Singapore with expertise in copyright and related rights. They can be appointed in WIPO mediations by parties but parties are also free to select mediators, arbitrators or experts from outside the WIPO Panel.

Fees and Costs

A not-for-profit Schedule of Fees for administration fees and mediator fees applies.

The WIPO Center assists parties to negotiate reasonable rates for the mediator to help parties contain the cost of this informal procedure.

General queries: arbiter.mail@wipo.int

Website: www.wipo.int/amc/