For quite some time, there has been a growing trend paralleling the continuing use of arbitration to resolve disputes, and the inclusion of arbitration provisions in contracts, with an onslaught of mass arbitration demands being filed by the "plaintiffs bar." There are many benefits to using alternative means to resolve disputes such as a streamlined process and expedited time frames, lower economic costs and a level of confidentiality/privacy. The filing of mass arbitration claims and the misuse of the arbitration process by mass claimants vitiates those benefits at times to the detriment of both parties. For example, the filing of illegitimate claims lacking in merit, or even real claimants, undermines the integrity of the process. Concomitantly, the potential exponential costs that can result in having to defend hundreds, if not thousands, of claims can at times force respondents to settle claims that otherwise may be lacking in merit in order to avoid the costs of having to defend them.