The End of Mediation?
One the most surprising and in many ways depressing passages of the IPO's publication "From ideas to growth: Helping SMEs get value from their intellectual property" (April 2012) is the statement on page 17 that only 13 mediations have been conducted by the IPO in the past 5 years, and just one in the past year. Because the usage is so low the IPO is thinking of discontinuing the service altogether unless it can be adapted. The IPO has requested feedback on perceived awareness levels and how, if the service does continue, the IPO might increase its visibility. The IPO's mediation service is extraordinarily good value. A full day mediation in Newport facilitated by a CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) trained mediator with specialist knowledge and experience of intellectual property including accommodation costs £750. The same mediator will come to the IPO's London premises for just another £250. So why ...