BELMOPAN, Belize, Jul 16, CMC – Belize has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property (WIPO) regarding options for intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes.
Belize is being represented at the 65th series of WIPO Assemblies that ends on Wednesday by a delegation from the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), comprises Kay King, Deputy Registrar Svetlana Middleton, patent officer.
BELIPO Belize in a statement said it had entered into a collaboration with WIPO through the signing of the MOU.
“This partnership aims to provide ADR options, particularly mediation, for Intellectual Property and technology-related disputes in Belize through the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center.
“BELIPO recognizes the potential usefulness of ADR as a private means of resolving disputes. The neutrality, flexibility, and expertise offered by ADR are particularly suited to the needs of the parties involved. This collaboration seeks to promote specialized IP and technology ADR in Belize.”
It said that under this new initiative, BELIPO will offer a voluntary mediation option to parties involved in trademark oppositions pending before BELIPO, utilizing mediation under the WIPO mediation rules.
The collaboration includes efforts to raise awareness of ADR for IP disputes, assist BELIPO with ADR case administration, including co-administration, training of neutrals, and online case administration tools, and participate in the development of model R&D agreements that include ADR options.
CMC/af/ir/2024