Europe Chooses Dialogue: Mediation as a New Way to Resolve IP Disputesí

In Europe, the way we handle intellectual property disputes is changing — fast. The EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has introduced a new Mediation Centre that’s shaking up how businesses resolve conflicts over trademarks and designs. Instead of years of legal back-and-forth, mediation offers a faster, more flexible, and far less confrontational path — one that could inspire a major shift in how the Czech Industrial Property Office (ÚPV) approaches similar cases.

Since 2023, EUIPO’s Mediation Centre has been helping businesses across the EU settle disputes over trademarks and designs — online, free of charge, and in multiple languages. With a 70% success rate and resolutions reached within weeks, it’s proof that even complex IP cases don’t need to end in courtroom drama. Instead of rigid rulings, parties work with expert mediators to find win-win solutions — from coexistence agreements to refined scopes of protection. It’s not just faster; it builds trust and keeps relationships intact.

While Czech law already allows for mediation, it’s rarely used in industrial property disputes. Most cases still go straight to the ÚPV or courts — a process that’s often costly, slow, and emotionally draining. But there’s a huge opportunity here: by introducing its own mediation framework, the ÚPV could become a pioneer of modern, collaborative dispute resolution in the Czech legal landscape. It would mean quicker, cheaper outcomes for businesses and a reputation boost for the office itself.

Our IP team can help you explore mediation strategies and prepare for proceedings before the EUIPO or ÚPV. Get in touch with us today!

Photo: "Untitled" by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/cs-cz/foto/dvojice-lide-schuzka-konverzace-8204969/Autor/ka fotografie: Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/cs-cz/foto/dvojice-lide-schuzka-konverzace-8204969/