New dispute resolution process for TV show formats announced

GENEVA – The international broadcasting community will soon have an alternative dispute resolution service to address format plagiarism or the unauthorized copying of television formats.The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Format Recognition and Protection Association (FRAPA) have announced plans to join forces later this month in an effort to help settle disputes that are often difficult to resolve in court because of differences in relevant national laws.While the format industry and the trade in TV formats is growing, the two organizations said that the industry is characterized by fierce competition and frequent disputes as TV formats, such as those...