[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 37, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 37CFR10.93]

[Page 362]
 
              TITLE 37--PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND COPYRIGHTS
 
                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 10--REPRESENTATION OF OTHERS BEFORE THE PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 10.93  Contact with officials.

    (a) A practitioner shall not give or lend anything of value to a 
judge, official, or employee of a tribunal under circumstances which 
might give the appearance that the gift or loan is made to influence 
official action.
    (b) In an adversary proceeding, including any inter partes 
proceeding before the Office, a practitioner shall not communicate, or 
cause another to communicate, as to the merits of the cause with a 
judge, official, or Office employee before whom the proceeding is 
pending, except:
    (1) In the course of official proceedings in the cause.
    (2) In writing if the practitioner promptly delivers a copy of the 
writing to opposing counsel or to the adverse party if the adverse party 
is not represented by a practitioner.
    (3) Orally upon adequate notice to opposing counsel or to the 
adverse party if the adverse party is not represented by a practitioner.
    (4) As otherwise authorized by law.