Arbitration and the Future of Intellectual Property Disputes

Young ICCA is pleased to present a panel discussion of “Arbitration and the Future of Intellectual Property Disputes” during the fourth annual California International Arbitration Week (CIAW), on 12 March 2025.

Parties frequently opt for arbitration where confidentiality is a concern, and arbitration can be attractive to parties in disputes involving intellectual property, technology, and life sciences, all of which are cornerstones of California’s economy. Jurisdictional rules often limit what is arbitrable, and parties have taken to including IP “carve-out” provisions in their contracts.  More recently, however, a global trend in favor of the arbitrability of intellectual property disputes has seen a decline in the use of “carve-out” provisions and an increase in the number of intellectual property-related matters brought to arbitration.  

This event will bring together a panel of diverse professionals working at the intersection of arbitration and intellectual property to discuss: (1) the varied nature of intellectual property disputes, from infringement actions to breach of contract claims; (2) the worldwide trend toward arbitrability and arbitration of intellectual property disputes; and (3) the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration for parties to such disputes.

The panel will be moderated by Young ICCA Co-Chair Eva Y. Chan and will include Thomas W. Walsh (Partner, Freshfields), Rina See (Barrister, Bankside Chambers), and Giorgio A. Sassine (Associate, Musick Peeler; Secretary of the Board of CalArb).  

The panel discussion will last approximately 90 minutes, followed by a networking reception.