◎ Stage 1 of 4

Prevention.
Dispute resolution
before it's needed.

The foremost stage of the UNIONE™ System — often overlooked by others — fouses on structuring contracts, processes, and relationships to prevent disputes before they arise.

Prevention Mechanisms ↓ Generate Prevention Clause ✦

Stage 1 Overview

Stage1 - Prevention

UNIONE™ RulesArticles 8–12

AppliesBefore any dispute arises

TriggerContract clause or party request

Binding?No - consensual only

Confidential?Yes - Article 11

Next Stage→ Structured Resolution

What Is the Prevention Stage

Most disputes are preventable. We built the tools to prevent them.

The Prevention Stage is UNIONE™'s most distinctive contribution to dispute resolution design. No institution in the world has built prevention into the arbitration process as a formal, structured, default stage - until now.

Contract-stage integration

The UNIONE™ Prevention Phase is embedded in the standard arbitration clause—no separate agreement required. It is built into the contract from the outset and activates automatically, at the request of a party, once a dispute begins to emerge.

At signing

Dispute notification

A party notifies UNIONE™ that a dispute has arisen or is imminent. UNIONE™ acknowledges and proposes the Prevention Phase within 48 hours.

Day 1–2

Structured dialogue or neutral evaluation

UNIONE™ facilitates structured dialogue, a neutral evaluation of the merits, or mediation - depending on what the parties need. All communications are strictly confidential under Article 11.

Days 3–30

Resolution or escalation

If the dispute resolves, parties execute a settlement. If not, the matter proceeds to Stage 2 (Structured Resolution) or directly to Stage 3 (Arbitration). The Prevention Phase cannot delay urgent matters.

Day 30 (or earlier)

Standard Prevention Clause

"Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be first referred to the UNIONE™ Prevention Phase in accordance with Articles 8–12 of the UNIONE™ Rules. If not resolved within thirty (30) days of referral, the dispute shall proceed to arbitration administered by UNIONE™."

Customise This Clause ✦

Why prevention works

✓65–70% of referred disputes resolve without proceeding to arbitration

✓Fraction of the cost of full arbitration proceedings

✓Preserves commercial relationship where possible

✓Confidential - nothing used in subsequent proceedings

✓Never delays arbitration for urgent or time-sensitive matters

Prevention Mechanisms

Three prevention tools. One integrated stage.

Parties may use any of the following prevention mechanisms, alone or in combination, during Stage 1 of the UNIONE™ System.

🤝

Structured Negotiation

UNIONE™ facilitates a structured dialogue between designated party representatives, with a defined agenda and timetable. No neutral required - parties negotiate directly with institutional structure and support.

Article 9(a)

⚖

Neutral Evaluation

UNIONE™ appoints an independent neutral who provides a non-binding assessment of the merits. Gives both parties a reality check before positions harden. The evaluation is confidential and non-binding.

Articles 9(c), 10

◎

Facilitated Mediation

A UNIONE™ Panel mediator facilitates structured settlement discussions between the parties. The mediator assists - not decides. Outcomes are by mutual agreement and can be recorded as binding settlement agreements.

Article 9(b)

65%

Disputes resolved at Prevention Stage without arbitration

Days - default Prevention Phase duration (Article 9)

100%

Confidential - Art. 11 applies to all Prevention communications

48hr

UNIONE™ response time on Prevention Phase request

If prevention doesn't resolve it → Stage 2: Structured Resolution

Where the Prevention Phase does not produce a resolution, the dispute moves to Stage 2 - a more formal structured resolution process before full arbitration commences.

Stage 2 - Structured Resolution → ADOPT UNIONE

Prevention.Dispute resolutionbefore it's needed.

Most disputes are preventable. We built the tools to prevent them.

Three prevention tools. One integrated stage.

If prevention doesn't resolve it → Stage 2: Structured Resolution

Prevention.
Dispute resolution
before it's needed.