American Arbitration Association Announces National Patent Board Center for Dispute Resolution.

Business Editors/Legal Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 5, 2001

The American Arbitration Association (AAA), the global leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, announced today that it will establish the first National Patent Board Center for Dispute Resolution (NPBCDR) within the AAA's new Northeast Case Management Center in East Providence, Rhode Island by the end of 2001.

The NPBCDR was formed after the American Arbitration Association recently assumed ownership of various assets of the National Patent Board (NPB). The AAA intends to further develop out-of-court dispute resolution services in the patents area, drawing on synergies that exist between the two organizations.

The NPBCDR will administer all patent disputes utilizing both the AAA's Patent Arbitration Rules and arbitrators and the National Patent Board's rules and panelists. Additionally, the NPBCDR will oversee the NPB's training programs, membership, website, and other relevant materials. A Patent Advisory Committee will advise the NPBCDR, to be chaired by at least one former officer or trustee of the NPB.

Over 160 patent disputes were filed under the AAA's Patent Arbitration Rules in 2000 and all cases this year filed with the National Patent Board rules prior to the opening of the Center will be administered by the American Arbitration Association's White Plains office.

"The establishment of the National Patent Board Center for Dispute Resolution continues our commitment to embracing the highest standards of client service achievable in every undertaking," said Christine L. Newhall, Senior Vice President of the AAA. "Patent disputes are particularly well suited for alternative dispute resolution, given the benefits of ADR--a fast resolution time, savings in cost, and case confidentiality."

The global leader in conflict management since 1926, the American Arbitration Association is a not-for-profit, public service organization committed to the resolution of disputes through the use of arbitration, mediation, conciliation, negotiation, democratic elections and other voluntary procedures. In 2000, more than 198,000 cases were filed with the Association in a full range of matters including commercial finance, construction, labor and employment, health care, insurance, mass claims and technology disputes. Through its 39 offices in the United States and Europe, the AAA provides a forum for the hearing of disputes, rules and procedures and a roster of impartial experts to resolve cases.