Dispute Resolution

Co-productions, in particular when they are cross-border or cross-regional, are prone to disputes. Such disputes may involve different stakeholders, such as directors, producers, scriptwriters. They may concern a variety of issues, such as completion, copyright, distribution, financing, insurance, ownership.

Because of their particular features, co-production disputes require fast, affordable, neutral and competent dispute resolution options.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center provides an international dispute resolution alternative for the film and media sector: WIPO Mediation and Expedited Arbitration for Film and Media.

It includes a mediation procedure and an expedited arbitration procedure that can either be combined or used independently at the parties’ option. As a neutral, flexible, cost and time efficient option, it is particularly appropriate for co-production disputes.

Industry expertise and market know-how are key in co-production dispute resolution. This is why parties that submit their disputes to this WIPO option can appoint mediators and arbitrators experienced in this field from a special WIPO Film and Media Panel.

Parties can use WIPO Mediation and Expedited Arbitration for Film and Media if they insert a relevant dispute resolution clause in their co-production contract or if they sign a submission agreement once a dispute has arisen.

More information on WIPO Mediation and Expedited Arbitration for Film and Media is available at:www.wipo.int/amc/en/film.