---
title: "Record whether a patent application shows an examination"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/record-the-deadline-to-request-examination-of-a-standard-patent/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A23-CO20261022-1-US"
practice_area: "Intellectual Property — Patents, Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Record whether a patent application shows an examination

> Record the application filing date and whether the file contains an Office action. Leave the next date blank. Do not decide that the application has lapsed, and do not calculate a request deadline.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/record-the-deadline-to-request-examination-of-a-standard-patent/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Intellectual Property — Patents, Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs](https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Record the application filing date and whether the file contains an Office action. Leave the next date blank. Do not decide that the application has lapsed, and do not calculate a request deadline. |
| What the lawyer must review | Section 131 says the Director shall cause an examination to be made of the application and the alleged new invention and, if on that examination it appears that the applicant is entitled to a patent under the law, the Director shall issue a patent. The section states no period in which the applicant must request examination and no reminder. Section 171(a) says whoever invents any new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture may obtain a patent, subject to the conditions and requirements of the title. Subsection (b) applies the provisions of the title relating to patents for inventions to design patents, except as otherwise provided. Subsection (c) makes the filing date of a design application the date on which the specification and any required drawings are filed. You confirm current practice before you treat an application as abandoned. The tool does not decide entitlement. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Record the deadline to request examination of a standard patent](https://ailawframework.com/practice/intellectual-property-patents-trade-marks-copyright-designs/record-the-deadline-to-request-examination-of-a-standard-patent.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Record the application filing date and whether the file contains an Office action. Leave the next date blank. Do not decide that the application has lapsed, and do not calculate a request deadline.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Section 131 does not state a five-year request or a reminder.
- The tool leaves every calculated date blank.

## Sources

- [35 U.S.C. § 131 (examination of application)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/35/131) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [35 U.S.C. § 171 (patents for designs)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/35/171) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*