Contributed: The Sixty-Fifth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is being held at the WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 9 to 17, 2024. The Belize delegation comprises Ms. Kay King, Deputy Registrar, and Ms. Svetlana Middleton, Patent Officer of the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO).
Today, BELIPO and WIPO entered into a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership aims to provide Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options, particularly mediation, for Intellectual Property (IP) and technology-related disputes in Belize through the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO 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.
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.
BELIPO wishes to express its gratitude to the Government of Belize and The Attorney General, Hon. Anthony Sylvestre, for their support in achieving this significant milestone.
