IP dispute

An issue about intellectual property rights, including trademarks, in the retail distribution sector, as well as allegations concerning possible defamation and access to customers. 

The matter had been dragging on for a considerable period of time, with court actions raised. Parties and their advisers came to mediation without expectation that the matter could be resolved.

After a day of intense negotiations and overnight to reflect on possible options, the parties reached a solution which focused on commercial interests and which was designed to benefit the businesses in a way which was beyond the parties' contemplation when the mediation process began.