Singapore, January 23, 2025 – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have announced the launch of the WIPO-ASEAN Mediation Programme (AMP+), aimed at providing funding for resolving intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes within the ASEAN region.

Under the WIPO-ASEAN Memorandum of Understanding, the AMP+ offers financial support for two types of mediation scenarios: Mediation for Disputes and Deal Mediation. Mediation for Disputes covers cases where parties are involved in IP or technology disputes, while Deal Mediation facilitates contract negotiations where parties cannot agree on terms.

The funding available under AMP+ includes up to SGD 3,000 for any existing IP/technology negotiation or dispute involving an ASEAN national or entity. Additionally, if a Singapore-based mediator is appointed, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) provides an extra SGD 2,000, bringing the total funding to SGD 5,000.

Applications for funding under AMP+ are open until December 31, 2025, or until the fund is exhausted, whichever comes first. To be eligible, at least one party must be an ASEAN national or entity from one of the ASEAN Member States, and the mediator must be based in an ASEAN Member State.

The WIPO Singapore Office also offers meeting rooms for mediations free of charge and provides a series of online case administration tools to facilitate mediations conducted entirely or partly online.

This initiative is expected to enhance the resolution of IP and technology disputes in the ASEAN region, promoting a more efficient and cost-effective approach to conflict resolution.

Source: https://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/offices/singapore/news/2025/news_0001.html

Image source: amp_news-0001_2025.png