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.
[Added 50 FR 5181, Feb. 6, 1985, effective Mar. 8, 1985]