A telecommunications manufacturer and one of its component suppliers are in a dispute over ownership of a design modification done by the telecommunications company to a piece of equipment provided by the

supplier. The modification is very valuable as it has increased the efficiency of the equipment by 1000 times. The two companies are concerned about the details of the dispute being made public as this could lead to both of them losing their competitive advantages regarding the design of the modification. Both sides are also eager to get the modification marketed as soon as possible before other companies start marketing their own versions.

Discuss all of the various ways in which this dispute could be settled and make a recommendation as to the most appropriate means of doing so. Provide clear reasons for your answers.