Expanding the opportunities of mediation in the resolution of intellectual property disputes, new tendencies in IP mediation, the activities of leading IP Mediation Centers in Europe and the world ‒ these and other issues were discussed by the participants of the 5th IP Mediation Conference “Unlocking the Power of Mediation: A Pathway to Efficient and Sustainable IP Dispute Resolution”.

 

ADR integration

 

The conference, which took place on October 16-17, 2025, was organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) Boards of Appeal and the Commerce Department of the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects of Malta.

 

The event brought together more than 250 participants from 35 countries: representatives of National Intellectual Property Offices, judges, lawyers, arbitrators, mediators, scientists, as well as representatives of business and international organizations (WIPO, EPO, MARQUES, etc.).

 

This year, for the first time, the conference was held outside the EUIPO headquarter, which is symbolic – mediation goes beyond the usual formats and becomes a global language of legal dialogue.

 

In his welcoming speech, João Negrão, EUIPO Executive Director, pointed out that mediation is not an alternative to legal processes, but a manifestation of the maturity of the legal system. It transfers the conflict from the plane of confrontation to the space of dialogue and sustainable business development.

 

This year’s conference marked a new stage: mediation now covers all EUIPO proceedings. This is a strategic step towards the comprehensive integration of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) into the European law enforcement system.

 

According to Godwin Warr, Director General of the Commerce Department of Malta, Malta is a natural bridge between the legal cultures of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. And mediation should become a common language of lawyers of different systems – the language of professionalism, ethics and mutual understanding.

 

Sven Stürmann, President of the EUIPO Boards of Appeal, accredited mediator, emphasized that mediation in intellectual property disputes is a path from confrontation to partnership. It preserves resources, trust and respect – the foundation of innovative development.

 

Ukrainian experience

 

On the behalf of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO/IP Office) following experts took part in the Conference:

 

• Aurika Hrybovska, Head of the Mediation Center;
• Nataliia Denis, Deputy Head, IPRs Infringement Monitoring Center.

 

Participation of representatives of Ukraine in the event was made possible owing to the EU funded EU4IP project – “Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights in Moldova and Ukraine”.

 

Aurika Hrybovska (in the center) during the presentation of the activities of the UANIPIO Mediation Center

 

Aurika Hrybovska spoke during the practical session “Showcasing IP Mediation”, dedicated to the presentation of leading IP Mediation Centers in Europe and the world. She presented the activities of the Mediation Center of UANIPIO and the Ukrainian experience in the development of IP mediation.

 

According to the speaker, it is important for Ukraine today not only to share its own experience, but also to demonstrate a true commitment to European legal values – where respect, ethics and dialogue are not just words, but the foundation of justice.

 

“The activities of the UANIPIO Mediation Center are an example of how these values are implemented in practice: mediation becomes an effective tool for resolving disputes, building trust between the parties and supporting sustainable economic development both in Ukraine and abroad. We are actively working to harmonize national legislation with European standards, participate in public dialogues on the introduction of mediation as a mandatory pre-trial stage, and consistently contribute to the formation of a culture of peaceful conflict resolution,” Aurika Hrybovska emphasized.

 

For more information, please, follow the presentation.

 

 

 Current issues of mediation

 

One of the most dynamic sessions was the practical session “Mediation in Action”, during which EUIPO experts conducted a simulation of the real mediation process: demonstrating negotiation strategies and ways to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

 

 

In addition, the conference participants discussed the following issues:

 

• optimization of time and resources in intellectual property dispute management (how mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution can revolutionize IP dispute management);

 

• expanding mediation capabilities to achieve successful results (on the potential of mediation in areas beyond trademarks and design; emphasis on geographical indications, copyright and new challenges in the field of standard essential patents);

 

• how mediation works for businesses that use intellectual property intensively (a practical look at how best to use mediation to create added value for both small and medium-sized enterprises and large companies);

 

• the important role of building trust and coordinating the interests of the lawyer and the client for optimal participation in the mediation process, as well as achieving the best result (choosing the right mediator, realistic risk assessment, planning a negotiation strategy, maximizing the potential of introductory statements, possible legal pitfalls, etc.);

 

• search for ways to combine artificial intelligence with IP mediation (about new AI tools, their application to improve the effectiveness of mediation);

 

• legal leadership in intellectual property disputes (encouraging mediation as a way to resolve disputes).

 

Nataliia Denis (on the left) and Aurika Hrybovska

 

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