Doha: The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) organized a specialized workshop on “Advanced Arbitration and Mediation in Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology Disputes”. The workshop was held in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center and the International Law Association, GCC Branch, and concluded a two-day international conference on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and intellectual property protection.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference was co-organized by WIPO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), bringing together leading experts to discuss IP challenges, including disputes, legislative frameworks, and development strategies. QICDRC also participated in two sessions during the conference, underlining its statutory role under Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and its commitment to advancing ADR as a preferred alternative to litigation.
The workshop provided participants with practical guidance on WIPO rules for mediation and arbitration, best practices in court-referred mediation, and the drafting of ADR clauses. Attendees explored the full mediation process, from negotiation to final settlement, while developing essential skills for mediators. Sessions further addressed the role of parties and neutrals, distinctions between mediation and other dispute resolution methods, and integration of WIPO procedures into both domestic and cross-border strategies.
The event attracted a diverse audience from across the GCC, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the regional importance of the topics discussed. Discussions also examined the relationship between intellectual property and sports-related legislation, including e-sports, and highlighted how ADR mechanisms can resolve such disputes efficiently. Senior experts from WIPO, international law firms, and regional courts led the sessions, and participants received certificates of attendance at the conclusion of the workshop.
Commenting on the workshop, CEO of QICDRC Faisal Rashid Al Sahouti stated that the workshop offered a valuable opportunity for participants to gain practical insights into the use of alternative dispute resolution in intellectual property and technology disputes. He emphasized that by exploring the best practices in mediation and arbitration, the aim is to contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of investors and business owners while supporting innovation and sustainable growth.
Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Ignacio de Castro Llamas also remarked on the effectiveness of mediation and arbitration in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property. He noted that this is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center and highlighted the collaboration with partners in Qatar to share WIPO’s tools that complement court procedures and foster innovation in this field.
QICDRC expressed its gratitude to the organizing institutions and partners for convening the conference and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing legal awareness and addressing emerging legal issues through workshops, seminars, and international collaborations.