MANILA – The resolution of disputes through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ (IPOPHL) mediation service will resume as it now allows mediation proceedings to be held online, a move that not only contributes to shaping the “new normal” at the office but also furthers its digital transformation journey.
Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-12, signed by IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba and issued last May 4, revised MC 2020-11 to give way for the holding of online mediation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
“The new issuance ensures the safety and convenience of the parties and the mediators, as well as the continuance of mediation services during the modified enhanced community quarantine and beyond,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba said in a statement Thursday.
Barba said the office expects its mediation service’s transition to the digital environment as a transformative step that “inspires us to further expand our suite of online services.”
“Increasing our use of digital solutions will definitely make IPOPHL’s services simpler, faster, more cost-effective while ensuring continuous operations even in a crisis,” he added.
Mediation, IPOPHL’s main alternative dispute resolution service, enables parties to settle their domestic or cross-border intellectual property and technology disputes out of the traditional litigation.
This provides for an efficient and cost-effective way of resolving the dispute compared to the tedious, costly, and protracted litigation process.
Mediation also encourages settlement of disputes where the parties exercise autonomy and are assured confidentiality.
A “win-win solution”, this platform for alternative dispute resolution promotes the business interests of both parties.
Last May 15, IPOPHL’s Bureau of Legal Affairs and mediators met online to ensure the successful implementation of the online mediation service. (PR)
