[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 37, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 37CFR251.30]

[Page 566-567]
 
              TITLE 37--PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, AND COPYRIGHTS
 
                                CONGRESS
 
PART 251--COPYRIGHT ARBITRATION ROYALTY PANEL RULES OF PROCEDURE--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart D--Standards of Conduct
 
Sec. 251.30  Basic obligations of arbitrators.


    (a) Definitions. For purposes of these regulations, the following 
terms shall have the meanings given in this subsection:
    (1) A ``selected arbitrator'' is a person named by the Librarian of 
Congress, or by other selected arbitrators, for service on a particular 
CARP, in accordance with Sec. 251.6 of these regulations;
    (2) A ``listed arbitrator'' is a person named in the ``arbitration 
list'' published in accordance with Sec. 251.3 of these regulations.
    (b) General principles applicable to arbitrators. Selected 
arbitrators are persons acting on behalf of the United States, and the 
following general principles apply to them. Where a situation is not 
covered by standards set forth specifically in this subpart, selected 
arbitrators shall apply these general principles in all cases in 
determining whether their conduct is proper. Listed arbitrators shall 
apply these principles where applicable.
    (1) Arbitrators are engaged in a matter of trust that requires them 
to place ethical and legal principles above private gain.
    (2) Arbitrators shall not hold financial interests that conflict 
with the

[[Page 567]]

conscientious performance of their service.
    (3) Arbitrators shall not engage in financial transactions using 
nonpublic information or allow the improper use of such information to 
further any private interest.
    (4) Selected arbitrators shall not solicit or accept any gift or 
other item of monetary value from any person or entity whose interests 
may be affected by the arbitrators' decisions. Listed arbitrators may 
accept gifts of nominal value or gifts from friends and family as 
specified in Sec. 251.34(b).
    (5) Arbitrators shall put forth their honest efforts in the 
performance of their service.
    (6) Arbitrators shall act impartially and not give preferential 
treatment to any individual, organization, or entity whose interests may 
be affected by the arbitrators' decisions.
    (7) Arbitrators shall not engage in outside employment or 
activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, that 
conflicts with the performance of their service.
    (8) Arbitrators shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the 
appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set 
forth in this subpart.
    (9) Arbitrators shall maintain order and decorum in the proceedings, 
be patient, dignified, and courteous to the parties, witnesses, and 
their representatives, and dispose promptly the business before them.

[59 FR 23981, May 9, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 30635, June 5, 1998]