Can IPO mediation resolve my infringement dispute?
Yes. IPO mediation can help with a UK infringement dispute over your China-made range if both parties agree to use the service. The mediator helps you explore a settlement rather than deciding who infringed. Prepare the disputed products, records and possible changes with Cambridge China Bridge.
Check whether the dispute fits
The IPO mediation service covers trade marks, copyright, designs and patents, including infringement disputes. For your range, identify what is being challenged: the brand, printed artwork, product appearance or technical feature. Ask the mediation team about suitability if the issues are unclear.
Separate the infringement allegation from an ordinary disagreement about defective goods or payment. For that different problem, see mediation with a UK sourcing seller.
Get the opposing party's agreement
Before booking IPO mediation, you need the opposing party's agreement. You can approach them yourself or through a legal representative. Suggest mediation in a short message that identifies the disputed range and asks whether they will participate.
Prepare commercial options for discussion, such as revised artwork, a product change or a proposed licence. Discuss these with your adviser before offering them, and distinguish proposals from commitments already approved by your business.
Prepare the booking information
Once both parties agree, use the online booking form linked from the IPO mediation guidance. Have contact details for every party, a brief overview of the dispute and an indication of when you would like mediation to take place. The team then coordinates a mutually convenient date, location and time.
Keep the overview factual: identify the alleged right, affected products, parties and main disagreement. Prepare a separate working file with the allegation, correspondence, dated artwork, samples, factory approvals and stock position. Ask the team what supporting material to provide.
Understand what the mediator does
The mediator helps both parties reach a solution; they do not decide the dispute. Use the meeting to explore terms you could accept rather than expecting an infringement ruling.
Bring someone who can approve commercial proposals. Ask your legal adviser to review proposed terms, and make them specific about affected products, artwork versions, remaining stock and future orders. Treat each proposed solution as something to assess, not a guaranteed outcome.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
Connect any proposal to factory instructions
Before proposing a change, check with the factory whether it can alter the artwork, packaging, tooling or product feature. Record which samples and production files are affected, and ask for written confirmation before approving revised production.
Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can help gather factory records and check proposed production changes. For preventive sourcing arrangements, see protecting your IP and tooling. Keep the mediation brief focused on the current UK dispute.
Frequently asked questions
Can IPO mediate a dispute about imported products?
IPO mediation covers infringement disputes involving trade marks, copyright, designs and patents. Explain the allegation concerning your imported range and ask the team whether the service suits it.
Can I book IPO mediation without the other side agreeing?
You need the opposing party's agreement before booking the service. You can seek that agreement yourself or through a legal representative.
What information do I need to book IPO mediation?
Prepare each party's contact details, a brief dispute overview and your preferred timing. After agreement to mediate, use the online form linked from the IPO guidance.
Will the IPO mediator decide whether I infringed?
No. The mediator helps both parties work towards a solution rather than deciding the dispute. Prepare realistic proposals and ask your adviser to review any proposed terms.