IP Dispute Resolution Hub

International IP disputes can be heard by Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC)
The SICC is designed to deal with international commercial disputes, including in personam IP disputes. The SICC adopts international best practices for commercial disputes. Its procedures are flexible and may be tailored to suit parties’ preferences.

Specialist international judges
The SICC has experienced specialist International Judges who are well placed to adjudicate IP and technology disputes.

Specialist IP Court for IP / IT disputes
The High Court has specialist judges on its IP / IT list under "Intellectual property or information technology" to adjudicate IP and IT cases.

IP Court Guide customised for IP / IT disputes
The IP Court Guide encapsulates the IP Court’s case management features and specialist practices.

Most preferred seat in the world
Singapore is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the world (tied with London) and also the most preferred seat of arbitration within Asia-Pacific, according to the 2021 International Arbitration Survey by Queen Mary University of London.

IP disputes are arbitrable
This has been clarified in the International Arbitration Act and Arbitration Act in Singapore through the Intellectual Property (Dispute Resolution) Act 2019.

Arbitral awards are enforceable in over 170 countries
Singapore is a party to the 1958 New York Convention (on recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards). This means that an arbitral award made in Singapore is enforceable in more than 170 countries worldwide.

Premier international arbitration services

1. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) is the 2^nd most preferred arbitral institution in the world, according to the 2021 International Arbitration Survey by Queen Mary University of London. It has a panel of specialist IP arbitrators.

2. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) is international and specialises in IP and technology disputes. It has sited its only office outside Geneva in Singapore and has more than 2000 neutrals from over 90 jurisdictions on its panel.

Premier international mediation services

1. The Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) offers professional dispute resolution services tailored to the evolving needs of businesses. It includes a panel of highly experienced and effective local and international mediators with IP expertise.

2. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO Center) is international and specialises in IP and technology disputes. It has sited its only office outside Geneva in Singapore and has more than 2000 neutrals from over 90 jurisdictions on its panel.

Arb-Med-Arb Protocol
The SIAC-SIMC Arb-Med-Arb Protocol is a unique hybrid process where parties attempt mediation after the commencement of arbitration proceedings. The parties’ mediated settlement agreement may be converted into a consent arbitral award that is enforceable worldwide under the New York Convention.

Singapore Convention on Mediation

1. The Singapore Convention on Mediation (“the SCM”) entered into force on 12 September 2020. Singapore is a party to the SCM and has enacted the Singapore Convention on Mediation Act 2020 (“the Act”) to implement its obligations under the SCM.

2. The Singapore courts can therefore efficiently enforce an international commercial settlement agreement resulting from mediation, or allow such an agreement to be invoked, once the conditions and requirements under the Act are met.

Professional standards
The Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) is a professional standard-setting and credentialing body which supports Singapore’s mediation capabilities. Affiliated with the International Mediation Institute, SIMI promotes best mediation practices and high mediator competency standards.