FRAND at a Crossroads: Strategic Use of PMAC-UPC Mediation and Arbitration in SEP Disputes
This lecture will explore the evolving landscape of FRAND/SEP disputes within the framework of the Unified Patent Court, with particular focus on the strategic role of the PMAC-UPC. It will examine how mediation, arbitration, and expert determination may be effectively deployed to manage complexity, reduce fragmentation, and facilitate commercially viable outcomes in cross-border licensing disputes. Particular attention will be given to recent procedural developments, as well as to the latest case law emerging from the UPC’s local and central divisions, and to the practical advantages of integrating ADR mechanisms into SEP litigation strategies.
Organised by
European Patent Academy
European Patent Lawyers Association (EPLAW)
European Patent Litigators Association (EPLIT)
Organised by
European Patent Academy
European Patent Lawyers Association (EPLAW)
European Patent Litigators Association (EPLIT)
Pierfrancesco Fasano
Pierfrancesco is a qualified partner for Aria Grace Law CIC, and is an expert Committee Member at the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre of the Unified Patent Court. He is based in Milan, leading their growing team in Italy. He specialises in domestic and cross-border litigation, negotiation, and consulting work. Pierfrancesco supports clients in various sectors, particularly those undergoing changes or disruptions due to digital advancements and new rules and regulations.
With over 25 years of experience practicing in the information technology, banking, fashion, design, and digital industries, Pierfrancesco focuses on transactions, litigation, negotiation, and mediation. He also possesses extensive experience in labour and employment, particularly involving directors and officers, financial advisors, agents, distributors, and intellectual property, including trade secrets, passing off, domain names, trademarks, geographical indications, patents, designs, and art. His expertise extends to advertising and both outward and inward foreign direct investments, particularly in Italy and India.
As a seasoned lawyer, he has been appointed as an Arbitrator and International qualified Mediator by Italian and European institutions in commercial disputes. He also serves as a Senior Expert for the European Commission’s comparative studies and contributes to legal guides published by other international institutions. Pierfrancesco frequently advises on cost-benefit analysis and strategy for complex, multidisciplinary cases and projects at the intersection of intellectual property, digital technology, labour, finance, domestic, and European Union laws.