Hong Kong: COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme

Of the measures initiated by the Hong Kong S.A.R. government to support individuals and businesses affected by the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, two are particularly relevant to the legal and dispute resolution sector – the ‘LawTech Fund’ (https://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/blog/20200411_blog1.html) and the ‘COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme’.

In anticipation of an upsurge of disputes arising from or relating to COVID-19, the ODR Scheme aims to provide speedy and cost-effective means to resolve such disputes, especially for those involving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that may be adversely affected or hard hit by the pandemic. The Scheme will engage eBRAM to provide ODR services to the general public and businesses, in particular MSMEs, involved in low value disputes.

An introductory blog piece on the ODR Scheme can be found on the Department of Justice website here: https://www.doj.gov.hk/eng/public/blog/20200413_blog1.html