The move follows the Hargreaves report which identified reasons why an earlier mediation service was rarely used and assessed how it could be improved to meet the needs of businesses. The service will now offer a greater choice of mediation options including telephone sessions and will provide a wider list of specialist accredited mediators and a more flexible fee scale.
Disputes from infringement of an IP right, issues about IP licensing, copyright licensing issues and patent entitlement will all come within the ambit of the services.

Not suitable for every dispute

However it is not suitable as an alternative to litigation for disputes such as over the distinctiveness of the mark in trademark disputes, trademark opposition and invalidation proceedins on absolute grounds or disputes involveing IPO decisions such as the refusal of a patent application.
All forms of litigation and disputes will be discussed at the Luxury Law Summit organised by the Global Legal Post and the International Herald Tribune. 
 

For further details, contact mediation@ipo.gov.uk.