Rule 148
Communications between the European Patent Office and the authorities of the Contracting States

(1) Communications between the European Patent Office and the central industrial property offices of the Contracting States which arise out of the application of this Convention shall be effected directly between these authorities. Communications between the European Patent Office and the courts or other authorities of the Contracting States may be effected through the intermediary of the said central industrial property offices. 

(2) Expenditure in respect of communications under paragraph 1 shall be borne by the authority making the communications, which shall be exempt from fees.