Karl Bayer's Disputing Blog

NADN Bulletin – Zoom Hype & Headlines

By Darren A. Lee and Karl Bayer - April 9, 2020

Because in-person mediations and arbitrations have become a public health risk due to COVID-19, the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (“NADN”) has taken measures to ensure that members of the Academy are able to serve firms with online mediation sessions using the latest video conferencing platforms.

$5.1 Million Lawsuit Filed Against RHOBH Star Ordered to Arbitration

By Beth Graham - March 23, 2020

A federal court in Arizona has ordered a $5.1 million lawsuit that was filed against a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (“RHOBH”) star to arbitration.

The AAA-ICDR Issues COVID-19 Update

By Beth Graham - March 15, 2020

On Friday, the American Arbitration Association and its international division, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (“ICDR”), issued a "COVID-19 Update."

International Dispute Resolution and COVID-19

By Beth Graham - March 13, 2020

The Secretariat of the International Court of Arbitration has issued letter guidance regarding the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.

Mediation Scheduling Challenges

By Karl Bayer - March 11, 2020

Over the last few weeks, several attorneys and their clients have told me they anticipate exceptional challenges moving forward with mediations amid new travel restrictions and developing health and safety concerns. I imagine these challenges will only increase in the coming months.

Chinese Universities Lead the World in AI-Related Patent Applications and Research Publications

By Nate Legum - May 23, 2019

In recent years, research into artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed multiple fields including visual perception and speech recognition. The International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that worldwide spending on AI systems totaled $19.1 billion in 2018.

LA Court Overturns Arbitrator’s Punitive Damages Award Against Fox Entertainment

By Nate Legum - May 14, 2019

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has overturned an arbitrator’s $128 million punitive damages award that was issued against Fox Entertainment over a profit participation scheme involving its long-running television series “Bones,” while leaving a $50 million non-punitive damages award in place.

FTC Files First Case Challenging Fake Incentivized Product Reviews

By Nate Legum - May 2, 2019

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has successfully brought its first case challenging fake paid product reviews, a banned practice called incentivized reviews, on an independent retail website.

Robot Mediator Settles Court Case for the First Time

By Kyle Bailey - April 11, 2019

A “robot mediator” has reportedly settled a court case for the first time. The underlying dispute concerned unpaid fees allegedly owed for personal counseling sessions.

San Antonio Firefighters Association and City Agree to Mediate Before Former SCOTX Justice

By Beth Graham - April 9, 2019

The City of San Antonio and a local fire union have reportedly reached an agreement to engage in mediation later this month before former Supreme Court of Texas Justice Deborah Hankinson.