The Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) and WIPO 's Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) join forces later this month to provide alternative dispute resolution services to address problems of format plagiarism or the unauthorized copying of television formats. This collaboration will be officially launched at FRAPA's 10th anniversary event during MIPTV, on April 11 at 6.30pm at Plage Goéland in Cannes, France.

The WIPO Center will take on FRAPA's existing mediation activity and will administer TV format-related disputes filed under the WIPO Mediation and Expedited Arbitration Rules for Film and Media. Launched in December 2009, these rules are tailored to the specific characteristics of disputes arising in the film and media sectors. The WIPO Center and FRAPA also envisage providing specialized training and information sessions on format dispute resolution.

Ute Biernat, Chairman of FRAPA, says: ‘Delays, costs and burdens of litigation can be damaging. This is why alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation and arbitration, can help format owners, producers and broadcasters resolve their disputes out of court in a more flexible, confidential and efficient way that can also preserve their business relationships'. Erik Wilbers, Director of the WIPO Center, comments: ‘The WIPO Center is pleased to apply its dispute resolution expertise to the format sector. ADR offers interesting benefits for parties involved in format and other creative disputes'.