First PMAC Dispute Resolution Forum Brings Together International Experts in Ljubljana

The first PMAC Dispute Resolution Forum took place in Ljubljana on 1–2 June 2026, bringing together PMAC neutrals, judges, and distinguished experts from the fields of dispute resolution, patent law, industry, and technology. Conceived as a forum for professional exchange and training, the event explored a range of current and emerging issues relating to the use of ADR in patent and technology-related matters.

The Forum opened with welcoming remarks by Aleš Zalar, Director of the PMAC, Prof Dr Miro Cerar, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana, and Simone Billi, Member of the Italian Parliament, Chair of the Parliamentary Intergroup on the Protection of Technological Innovation, European Patent Attorney, and PMAC Neutral.

The discussions began with a judicial panel which examined the role of competition law as an element of EU public policy in IP disputes. Participants explored this concept as a cornerstone of the dialogue between the Court of Justice of the European Union and national courts, while also considering the role of arbitral tribunals in addressing such issues and the subsequent review of ADR outcomes by courts on public policy grounds.

The Forum continued with a discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in arbitration. Participants explored how AI tools are already being integrated into arbitral proceedings and debated questions of transparency, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

A further panel presented the development of PMAC’s digital case management system, highlighting the challenges of creating a secure and user-friendly platform to support modern ADR proceedings. The session also offered practical insights for future users, showcasing key functionalities and best practices for navigating the system.

The programme continued with a panel entitled “The PMAC – a New Landmark in the Global SEP/FRAND Landscape?”. The discussion provided an introduction to the current SEP/FRAND dispute landscape and explored whether the ADR services offered by PMAC may provide an attractive new forum for the resolution of disputes in this area.

The Forum concluded with Panel 4, moderated by the Director of the PMAC, which addressed the enforcement of international mediated settlements and arbitral awards in IP disputes, focusing on practical considerations for ADR clauses, arbitration venues, and enforcement mechanisms.

Photos (by photographer Voranc Vogel) from the first day of the Forum are available at the following link.

Following the Inauguration Ceremony, which marked the official launch of PMAC and represented a memorable milestone in its development, the Forum continued on 2 June 2026.

The second day was further marked by the first live mock Med-Arb proceeding conducted under the PMAC procedural framework, organised with the kind support of Promotion of Mediation in Intellectual Property. The exercise provided participants with valuable insights into both the legal and commercial dimensions of SEP/FRAND conflicts and showcased the practical operation of PMAC procedures.

The programme also featured a keynote address by Judge Samuel Granata of the Unified Patent Court on recent amendments to the UPC Rules of Procedure concerning settlement and withdrawal and their impact on judges, parties, and PMAC.

Following the keynote address, the Forum concluded with Panel: Forum Choices, which explored the suitability of different dispute resolution mechanisms for SEP/FRAND disputes. The discussion examined recent developments in various jurisdictions in this field. Participants reflected on the respective advantages of litigation, mediation, and arbitration, considering why parties often continue to favour court proceedings despite the availability of ADR mechanisms.

We warmly thank all speakers and participants for their attendance and the excellent atmosphere throughout the event.

Photos (by photographer Voranc Vogel) from the second day of the Forum are available at the following link.