(39) Rules Concerning Conduct on Patent
and Trademark Premises
1. Applicability
These rules apply to all premises under the charge and control of the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) through the General Services
Administration and to all persons entering such premises.
2. Admission to Property
Patent and Trademark Office facilities are closed to the public outside
of normal working hours. During normal working hours, a valid User Pass
is required to enter PTO premises.
The individual's User Pass must be displayed at all times while on PTO
premises.
3. Preservation of Property/Conduct on PTO Premises
The following activities are prohibited on PTO premises:
a. Improperly disposing of rubbish; willfully destroying or damaging
property; theft of property; creating a hazard to persons or things; and
placing Government documents or materials in storage lockers.
b. The willfull and unlawfull concealment, removal, mutilation,
obliteration or destruction, or attempts to do so, or, with intent to do
so, or taking and carrying away of any record, book, paper, document, or
other things from the facilities shall result in a fine of not more than
$2,000 or imprisonment of not more than 3 years, or both. See 18 U.S.C.
2071.
c. Removal of papers, materials, or other Government property from
designated areas. Within a designated area, papers or other Government
property must be returned to its proper location after use, unless
otherwise posted.
d. Using PTO premises and facilities as a place of business. It is
prohibited to reserve work areas, use PTO as a mailing address, use PTO
stationery, or a PTO telephone number as a personal telephone number.
4. Inspection
Packages, briefcases, storage lockers and other containers in the
possession of visitors, employees, or other persons arriving at, working
at, visiting, or departing from the PTO are subject to inspection. See
41 CFR 101-20.301.
5. Disturbances
Disorderly conduct or other conduct which creates a loud or unusual
noise or a nuisance which impedes or disrupts the performance of
official duties by Government employees or which prevents the public
from obtaining the administrative services provided on the property in a
timely manner is prohibited. See 41 CFR 101-20.305.
6. Conformity with signs and directions
Persons on the PTO premises shall at all times comply with the officical
signs of a prohibitory, regulatory or directory nature and with the
lawful direction of PTO employees.
No rude or abusive conduct to PTO employees and fellow users.
No food or beverages are permitted.
No smoking except in designated areas.
No mechanical or electronic equipment such as radios, televisions,
typewriters, computers, or photographic equipment may be used without
prior permission from the Assistant Commissioner for Administration.
No use of PTO telephone and office equipment, except as specifically
designated for public use.
7. Penalties and other laws.
Nothing in these rules shall be construed to abrogate any other Federal
laws or regulations or any State and local laws and regulations
applicable to any area in which property under the charge and control of
the PTO through the U.S. General Services Administration is situated.
See 40 U.S.C. 318(c) and 486(c).
41 CFR 101-20.315 provides that whoever is found guilty of
violating the rules of conduct on Federal property contained in 41 CFR
101-20.3 while on any property under the charge and control of the U.S.
General Services Administration is subject to a fine of not more than
$50, imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. See 40 U.S.C.
318c.
Failure to follow these rules may result in immediate removal from the
premises, suspension of user privileges, and/or enforcement of any
criminal sanctions that may apply.
Aug. 30, 1991 THERSA A. BRELSFORD
Assistant Commissioner for
Administration
[1131 OG 7]