A 10% drop in piracy would create 40,000 new jobs and add £6 billion to UK GDP.
BSA/IDC piracy report 2004

The Federation's Mediation Service provides Federation and Corporate Services members with an economical and speedy means of attempting to resolve disputes with other members or 3rd parties.

Mediation is a process where an independent neutral third party assists parties to a dispute to reach a settlement. Mediation is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the Courts and enjoys a remarkably high percentage of success. Its advantages include speed, confidentiality, economy and flexibility, and above all the preservation, as opposed to destruction, of commercial relationships.

A panel of experienced mediators with knowledge of the IT industry have agreed to make their services available to FAST members. As part of their services they will offer an initial mediation session for £750 plus VAT payable in advance and subject to signature of a letter of engagement by the parties to the dispute and the mediator.

The object of the 3 hour session will be to help parties move towards a settlement of their differences. This will not always succeed. If further time is required or the dispute requires a different approach from the start the parties will have to agree with the mediator separate terms of engagement where the rates may differ from the rate which applies to the initial three hour session.

The Federation is acting to facilitate this new service for members, at no charge, and can of course under no circumstances be held liable or responsible for the choice of mediator and services that are provided.

How the system works:

Select a mediator from the list below and contact them directly or contact Julian Heathcote Hobbins, Senior Legal Counsel, at FAST julian.hobbins@fast.org, +44 (0) 1628 622121 for further information.

List of Mediators

State of Software Licensing Compliance & Piracy/b>
29th July, London.