The School of International Arbitration's 2016 International Dispute Resolution Survey: 'An insight into resolving Technology, Media and Telecoms Disputes' has revealed that a lack of specialist knowledge is undermining arbitrators in complicated technology disputes, reports The Times.
The report, which was sponsored by Pinsent Masons LLP, says that despite international arbitration being recognised as well suited for technology, media and telecommunications disputes by more than 90 per cent of specialist lawyers, research shows that over the past five years it was used for just 35 per cent of claims.
Loukas Mistelis, Clive M Schmitthoff Professor of Transnational Commercial Law and Arbitration, and Director of the School of International Arbitration, said, "The number of highly specialised arbitrators is growing, but it is clear that it there is a long way to go before the industry will feel assured". He continued ,"while there is now a good number of specialist IP arbitrators there are not as many technology experts available to act as arbitrators, or so is at least the perception of the respondents."