inter partes

adverb or adjective | \ ˈin-tər-ˈpär-tēz, ˈin-ter-ˈpär-tās \ | in·ter par·tes

1. : between the parties a consent decree is not simply a contract inter partes, unlike a settlement; specifically : having or involving adverse parties an issue of an invalid application may also arise in inter partes proceedings where an adversary raises the issue —In re Compagnie Generale Maritime, 993 F.2d 841 (1993) (dissent) — compare ex parte : having or involving adverse parties an issue of an invalid application may also arise in inter partes proceedings where an adversary raises the issue —In re Compagnie Generale Maritime, 993 F.2d 841 (1993) (dissent) — compare ex parte