Disputes

Members of the Velocity Interoperability Network are expected to resolve disputes between themselves wherever possible. The Justice Department of the Velocity Interoperability Network provides a Dispute Resolution Service to assist them, and a member may not lodge a dispute with the Network Court until the stages below have been completed.

Disputes covered

• Disagreements over the interpretation of a Network interoperability standard.
• Alleged failure by a member to meet a service or data-sharing obligation.
• Disputes over the allocation of shared Network resources.
• Disputes arising from certification, registration or licensing between members.

Stages of resolution

1. 1. Direct negotiation

   The members concerned notify one another in writing of the dispute and meet to attempt a settlement. A record of the meeting is kept by each party. Most disputes are resolved at this stage.

2. 2. Referral to the Dispute Resolution Service

   If no settlement is reached within 30 days, either member may refer the dispute to the Department's Dispute Resolution Service, which appoints a mediator from its panel and notifies the other party.

3. 3. Mediation

   The mediator meets the parties, together and separately, to identify the rule or standard in question and the terms on which the dispute might be settled. Mediation is confidential and normally concludes within 60 days.

4. 4. Certificate and referral to the Court

   If mediation concludes without agreement, the Service issues a mediation certificate. Either member may then lodge the matter with the Network Court, attaching the certificate.

Enforcement matters brought by a Network department are not subject to mediation and go directly to the Network Court. To refer a dispute to the Dispute Resolution Service, email contact@justice.gov.vin.