International Senior Lawyers Project in collaboration with the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) hosted an exploration of the use of arbitration in resolving technology and intellectual property disputes. The panel featured Charlotte Monroe, Michael Stepek, and Suzanne Labi of Winston & Strawn, alongside Valerie Kwangua of LAZ. Together, they examined global best practices, regional developments, and the growing influence of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence on arbitration strategy and procedure. The session was a continuation of the ISLP-LAZ collaboration to strengthen regional capacity in technology-driven dispute resolution. This session deepened the conversation around arbitration as an effective, flexible, and forward-looking mechanism for resolving complex technology and intellectual property disputes. Discussions focused on how arbitration can address the unique challenges posed by technology and IP-related conflicts, including issues of confidentiality, technical expertise, enforceability of awards, and cross-jurisdictional complexity. Panelists highlighted global trends in arbitral procedure, including the integration of digital case management systems, virtual hearings, and the strategic use of AI-powered tools to support research, drafting, and evidence analysis.
