Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to a set of processes and techniques designed to resolve disputes outside the traditional judicial system. ADR provides parties with flexible, cost-effective, and often quicker methods to settle disagreements, avoiding the lengthy procedures and formalities of courts. The primary forms of ADR include negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, each varying in structure, enforceability, and the degree of involvement by neutral third parties. Negotiation is the most informal, allowing parties to directly communicate and reach a mutually acceptable solution without involving any external mediator. Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates dialogue and encourages compromise, helping the disputing parties find common ground. Conciliation is similar to mediation but often involves the conciliator actively proposing solutions or offering non-binding recommendations. Arbitration is a more formal process where an independent arbitrator or panel renders a decision after evaluating evidence and arguments presented by the parties. The decision in arbitration can be binding or non-binding based on the prior agreement between parties, and binding arbitration decisions are enforceable under national laws and international treaties, such as the New York Convention of 1958. The relevance of ADR in the field of intellectual property, including trade secrets, competition law, and the protection of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs), is significant because disputes in these areas are often complex, involve confidential information, and require specialized expertise. Trade secrets, for instance, involve sensitive business information whose disclosure could cause significant commercial harm. ADR, particularly arbitration, is ideal for trade secret disputes because it allows for private proceedings, ensures confidentiality, and enables the appointment of arbitrators with technical expertise in the subject matter. Similarly, in matters concerning competition law, where disputes often involve allegations of anti-competitive practices, price-fixing, or market manipulation, ADR can offer an expedient alternative to lengthy litigation, promoting quicker resolution while minimizing public exposure. For TCEs, which include folklore, traditional music, art, designs, and other expressions of cultural heritage, ADR can provide culturally sensitive solutions that respect the interests of indigenous communities while balancing commercial or legal claims. Through flexible mechanisms such as mediation, parties can negotiate licensing agreements, usage permissions, or compensation arrangements without eroding the communal rights associated with these cultural assets. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) plays a pivotal