Mediation as a form of dispute resolution relating to intellectual property has become one of the easiest and most effective ways to handle intellectual property disputes. Since we now live what is known as the “Information Age,” a time when you can find out almost any piece of information (even classified information, e.g. WikiLeaks) by searching online, Intellectual property has moved to the forefront of legal disagreements.  Intellectual property is defined as “creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.” Much money is spent on technological advances, patented products, brand images, research and development, so it is in a company’s best interest to protect their intellectual property at all costs.

When intellectual property is stolen or otherwise compromised, companies and individuals who stand to lose reputation and money are often forced to seek legal help to maintain their interest, resulting in lengthy and costly court battles that can take years to settle.  This kind of drawn-out process is unappealing, and in tough economic times, often beyond the financial capability of many small businesses who need to protect their intellectual property in order to build their company successfully.

That’s why mediation has proven to be so successful in helping solve intellectual property disputes in a low-cost, efficient manner.  Mediators are neutral third party negotiators who will be able to listen to both “sides” of the dispute and look at the situation at hand.  After allowing each party to tell their position, the mediator or mediators are then able to help the parties negotiate a legally binding resolution that takes both parties’ concerns into consideration.  This ensures that the matter is handled with the utmost fairness, and encourages compromise in order to reach a solution that is acceptable to everyone involved.