Article 61

1.   The Office shall decide in what form the report to be made by an expert whom it appoints shall be submitted.

2.   The mandate of the expert shall contain:

(a) a precise description of his task;

(b) the time limit laid down for the submission of the report;

(c) the names of the parties to the proceedings;

(d) particulars of the rights which he may invoke under Article 62(2), (3) and (4).

3.   For the purposes of the expert’s report, the Office may require the Examination Office having conducted the technical examination of the variety concerned to make available material in accordance with instructions given. If necessary, the Office may also require material from parties to proceedings or third persons.

4.   The parties to proceedings shall be provided with a copy and, where appropriate, a translation of any written report.

5.   The parties to proceedings may object to an expert. Articles 48(3) and 81(2) of the basic Regulation shall apply mutatis mutandis.

6.   Article 13(2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the expert appointed by the Office. When appointing the expert, the Office shall inform him of the requirement of confidentiality.