SGT University: Launches Online IP Mediation Certificate Course

• SGT University's School of Law is offering a four-week online Certificate Course on Mediation in Intellectual Property Rights in November 2026.
• The program, themed "Where Innovation Meets Resolution," is a collaboration between the School of Law, SADRC, and CIPRS.
• It aims to provide participants with legal knowledge, strategic approaches, and practical skills for mediating various IP disputes, including licensing and patent conflicts.
• Mediation is presented as a confidential, expert-led alternative to the slow, costly, and public nature of traditional IP litigation.
• India's legal landscape, including the Mediation Act, 2023, and Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, increasingly emphasizes mediation for IP dispute resolution.

India's legal framework is increasingly emphasizing mediation as a primary method for resolving disputes, particularly within the commercial and intellectual property sectors.

SGT University's School of Law, in conjunction with its Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (SADRC) and the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Studies (CIPRS), has announced an upcoming online Certificate Course on Mediation in Intellectual Property Rights. This specialized program, titled "Where Innovation Meets Resolution," is designed to equip participants with essential skills in resolving complex IP-related conflicts. The SGT University IP mediation course is structured as a four-week offering, delivered across four distinct weekend sessions.

Scheduled for November 14, 21, 28, and 29 in 2026, this Mediation in Intellectual Property Rights certificate program will provide comprehensive training. The initiative highlights a growing recognition of the need for specialized dispute resolution mechanisms in the intellectual property domain, reflecting the intricate and often high-stakes nature of such disagreements. This online IP dispute resolution training aims to bridge the gap between innovative creation and effective conflict resolution.

In today's economy, intellectual property represents some of the most valuable, yet frequently contested, assets. Disputes involving intellectual property are inherently complex, often spanning international borders and carrying significant commercial implications. Traditional litigation processes, while available, are frequently characterized by their slow pace, substantial costs, and public nature, which can be detrimental to ongoing business relationships and sensitive information.

Mediation offers a distinct and advantageous alternative for these types of conflicts. It provides a confidential environment where parties can work towards resolution, guided by expert facilitators. Crucially, mediation is designed to preserve the vital partnerships that are often essential for continued innovation and collaboration, making it a more suitable path for navigating licensing deadlocks, trademark conflicts, patent disputes, and technology-transfer disagreements.

India's legal framework is increasingly emphasizing mediation as a primary method for resolving disputes, particularly within the commercial and intellectual property sectors. The recently enacted Mediation Act, 2023, which is partially in force, signifies a decisive national shift towards alternative dispute resolution. Furthermore, Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, mandates pre-institution mediation, underscoring the legal system's commitment to encouraging amicable settlements before resorting to formal court proceedings. This legislative push is complemented by judicial initiatives, such as the dedicated Intellectual Property Division of the Delhi High Court, which has consistently positioned mediation at the forefront of IP dispute resolution strategies. Globally, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center continues to serve as a leading example and benchmark for effective intellectual property dispute resolution through non-adversarial means. The Mediation Act 2023 IP disputes and Commercial Courts Act 12A mediation provisions are pivotal for practitioners in this field.

The four-week SGT University IP mediation course is meticulously structured to provide participants with a robust understanding of both the legal principles and strategic approaches necessary for effective IP mediation. It aims to impart hands-on skills crucial for navigating a wide array of intellectual property disputes, from complex licensing negotiations to intricate patent and technology-transfer challenges.

Key objectives of the program include fostering a clear and comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks governing IP mediation, both within India and internationally. Participants will also gain insights into precisely why intellectual property disputes are particularly well-suited for mediation, as well as identifying scenarios where it might not be the optimal approach. A core component involves developing sophisticated negotiation and mediation strategies specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of intellectual property conflicts.

Lawyers and compliance officers specializing in intellectual property in India should consider this course to enhance their skills in IP dispute resolution, particularly given the increasing emphasis on mediation under the new Mediation Act, 2023, and Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.

Source: Original reporting via SGT University announcement