IP: 3 things to know about mediating licensing disputes   The
number of IP disputes resolved in mediation has continued to
increase as more attorneys make efforts to find a speedy
resolution and cut litigation time and cost for their clients.
Only a small percentage of costly patent infringement cases
actually go to trial, and approximately 90 percent of them are
settled, often by entering into a licensing agreement covering
future use.     Businesspeople and their counsel recognize that
mediation is a cost-effective, low-risk process with a
remarkably high success rate when conducted by an experienced
mediator. In mediation, the parties avoid the risk of trial and
remain in control of the resolution rather than turning it over
to a third party, a judge or jury. Also, mediation is a good way
to preserve business relationships, something that often is
important in a licensing dispute. In order to have the best
opportunity for settlement, counsel should consider the
following three points:  1. Bring the right p