7-2-4 TRUE or FALSE

1. Mediation is a conciliation process between parties to a dispute.

2. Mediation before EUIPO is currently only available at the appeal stage in proceedings between two or more parties.

3. Mediation can commence before a decision is appealed.

4. Mediation in ex parte (i.e. where the other party to a contested decision is the EUIPO itself) cases is not possible.

5. Mediation cannot take place if only one of the parties requests it.

6. The parties cannot choose a mediator freely but he mediator is assigned to the case by the Office.

7. The mediator acts as a neutral intermediary between the parties and facilitates a settlement between them.

8. The mediator’s role is to give legal advice to the parties.

9. The mediator has full control over the way the procedure is handled and its outcome.

10. The parties cannot be obliged to mediate but must voluntarily agree to do so.

11. If the mediation has failed, the mediator has authority to settle the case.

12. The parties cannot withdraw from the mediation until the settlement is reached.

13. No settlement agreement may be imposed on the parties but must be agreed voluntarily between them.

14. Mediation is a confidential procedure.

15. Appeal proceedings will be terminated once the parties opt for mediation.