The aim to develop transnational principles for the regulation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which deal, inter alia, with whether and how the use of ADR should be promoted by the state and how ADR should be regulated, brought leading experts from different European countries, the USA and Japan to the University of Bayreuth from 14-16 September 2012. ADR refers to dispute resolution mechanisms outside the state court system. It includes procedures such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, (binding) expert opinion, arbitration and ombudsman proceedings. In suitable cases, ADR offers solutions which are faster and cheaper than court procedures, especially for cross-border conflicts. The parties have greater control over the conflict resolution procedure. They can arrive at a sustainable compromise adapted to their interests. The procedures are conducted in private; the parties can agree to keep the result confidential.