The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) organised a specialised workshop on advanced arbitration and mediation in intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes. The workshop, held in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center and the International Law Association – GCC Branch, concluded a two-day international conference on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and intellectual property protection.
The conference, co-organised by WIPO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), brought 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, Mr. Faisal Rashid Al Sahouti, CEO of QICDRC, said:
“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. By exploring best practices in mediation and arbitration, we aim to contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of investors and business owners while supporting innovation and sustainable growth.”
For his part, Mr Ignacio de Castro Llamas, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, said:
“Mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property. This is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. By working with our partners in Qatar, we shared our experience and WIPO’s tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation in this field.”
QICDRC expressed its gratitude to the organising 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.
