| MUMBAI:
The Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) has entered into a pact
with the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation
Center and will work to provide alternative dispute resolution services in cases
of alleged format plagiarism. With
the partnership, the WIPO Center will take on FRAPA's existing mediation activity
and will administer TV format-related disputes filed under the WIPO mediation
and expedited arbitration rules for film and media that were put in place in December.
Noted
FRAPA chairman Ute Biernat, "Delays, costs and burdens of litigation can
be damaging. This is why alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation
and arbitration can help format owners, producers and broadcasters resolve their
disputes out of court in a more flexible, confidential and efficient way that
can also preserve their business relationships." Added
WIPO Center director Erik Wilbers, "The WIPO center is pleased to apply its
dispute resolution expertise to the format sector. ADR offers interesting benefits
for parties involved in format and other creative disputes. We look forward to
a fruitful collaboration with FRAPA and its members." | 
