The COIA process in four steps

From initiation of the arbitration process through the award, COIA uses a proven arbitral process incorporating a streamlined procedure and trusted experts in dispute resolution, ex aequo et bono and diverse fields of law.

  • Step 1: Initiation of arbitration

    Step 1: Initiation of arbitration

    The claimant files a request and pays the applicable handling fee. Soon afterwards, the COIA Secretariat issues its first procedural instructions, inviting the respondent to file a reply within a time period that is short but appropriate for the circumstances.

  • Step 2: Arbitrator is appointed

    Step 2: Arbitrator is appointed

    If the parties have not agreed on an arbitrator from COIA’s list of arbitrators, the COIA Secretariat appoints one based on the criteria set out in COIA’s rules. After accepting the appointment, the arbitrator assumes charge of the proceedings.

  • Step 3: Further exchange of documents / hearing

    Step 3: Further exchange of documents / hearing

    The arbitrator decides whether a further exchange of documents or a hearing (either in person or via a telephone/video conference) is needed. When the arbitrator is sufficiently informed, he or she will close the proceedings and ask the parties for statements of their costs.

  • Step 4: Determining and securing the award

    Step 4: Determining and securing the award

    The arbitrator submits a draft award to the COIA Secretariat, which may suggest formal changes, and, without affecting the arbitrator’s freedom of decision, may draw attention to substantive points. Once the award is issued to the parties, a party wishing to enforce the award can rely on the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

When drafting a contract

COIA arbitration, including ex aequo et bono dispute resolution, can be added to contracts before signing through an arbitration clause. Employing COIA in a contract can settle issues such as applicable law and place of jurisdiction – issues that might deter parties from signing a contract.

We recommend using the following standard arbitration clause in the contract:

Arbitration Clause

After a dispute has arisen

When a contractual dispute arises, arbitration before COIA can save time and money compared to other dispute resolution mechanisms on which the parties may have initially agreed upon in their contract. COIA’s efficiency becomes an even more important asset for proceedings with relatively low complexity and lower amounts in dispute.

If a dispute has already arisen, we recommend using the following standard arbitration agreement:

Arbitration Clause