SGT University Announces 4-Week Online Certificate Course on IP Mediation

The School of Law, SGT University, in collaboration with its Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (SADRC) and Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Studies (CIPRS), announced a four-week online Certificate Course on Mediation in Intellectual Property Rights, themed "Where Innovation Meets Resolution," to be held over four weekend sessions on November 14, 21, 28, and 29, 2026.

This initiative signifies a growing recognition within the Indian legal landscape of mediation as a crucial and effective mechanism for resolving complex Intellectual Property (IP) disputes. The course's focus on the intersection of innovation and resolution highlights the unique challenges and opportunities presented by IP matters, which are often technical, cross-border, and commercially sensitive. By offering specialized training, the university is addressing a critical need for legal professionals equipped to navigate the evolving dispute resolution environment, moving away from traditional, often slow and costly, litigation.

The legal context for this development is firmly rooted in recent legislative and judicial advancements in India. The Mediation Act, 2023, alongside the mandatory pre-institution mediation requirement under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, has significantly elevated the role of mediation in commercial disputes. Furthermore, the establishment of the IP Division of the Delhi High Court underscores the judiciary's commitment to streamlining IP litigation and promoting alternative resolution methods. Globally, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center continues to set benchmarks, influencing domestic practices. The key parties involved in this educational endeavour are the School of Law, SGT University, its SADRC, and CIPRS.

For practising attorneys and legal professionals, this course and the broader trend it represents signal a critical shift in dispute resolution strategy. Practitioners, especially those specialising in IP law, commercial law, or general litigation, should proactively enhance their understanding and skills in IP mediation. This includes not only the legal framework but also negotiation strategies tailored to IP disputes, ranging from licensing deadlocks and trademark conflicts to patent and technology-transfer issues. Acquiring such expertise will be vital for advising clients on confidential, expert-led, and partnership-preserving resolution paths, thereby offering more strategic and cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation.