DEFINITION

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) uses alternative dispute resolution processes to resolve a claim or dispute. Online Dispute Resolution can be used for disputes arising from an online, e-commerce transaction, or disputes arising from an issue not involving the Internet, called an “offline” dispute.

IMPACT ON e-BUSINESS

online Dispute Resolution can have more flexibility than the traditional legal rocess and can allow parties in different locations or countries to avoid the costs and inconveniences of travel. ODR takes advantage of technology that most everyone in business already uses, such as computers, internet, email, instant chat and video conferencing. Just as with traditional ADR, there are several ways of conducting online ADR, depending on the technology available to the parties And the nature of the dispute. The various processes include: 1) documents and party communications being sent by email; 2) conferencing and meetings being held by video, by voice, or in chat rooms, with communications being shared or private, as the situation warrants; 3) using a white board (a shared computer desktop) for sending and viewing documents. These various processes are designed to provide the same confidentiality and privacy that one finds with traditional, face-to-face dispute resolution. Some e-commerce companies provide Online Dispute Resolution as a service to customers. A growing number of organizations exist that provide Online Dispute Resolution services for consumers and e-commerce businesses. These organizations are called Online Dispute Resolution Providers.

PRACTICAL LINKS

www.conciliaonline.net/users/resolutia
www.italianlegaladvisor.com
www.ejusticecenter.mj.pt
www.risolvionline.com
www.infomediator.hu

RELATED ISSUES

Alternative Dispute Resolution