---
title: "How to mark generative AI output in the file (United States)"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/ai-decision-systems/us-mark-generative-ai-output-in-the-file"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a45-us-mark-generative-ai-output-in-the-file"
area_id: "A45"
kind: "checklist"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A45-T1-R1", "A45-T1-R2"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# How to mark generative AI output in the file (United States)

> A short rule for storing output of a generative AI tool so a later reader can see that a tool produced it, who reviewed it, and whether it was relied on.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/ai-decision-systems/us-mark-generative-ai-output-in-the-file  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

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

## Key facts

- Kind: Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Practice area: [AI decision systems](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/ai-decision-systems.md)
- Jurisdictions: United States
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the 2 authorities it cites, for United States.

## When to use it

Use whenever output of a generative AI tool is kept in a client or firm file. Do not use the mark as a substitute for the lawyer's review.

## Used for these tasks

- [Map automated decisions that affect individuals in the firm's or client's system](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/ai-decision-systems/map-automated-decisions-that-affect-individuals-in-the-firm-s-or-client.md)
- [Build a legal-risk table for a client's AI system](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/ai-decision-systems/build-a-legal-risk-table-for-a-client-s-ai-system.md)

## How AI may be used

A tool may add the mark and the tool's name to a saved output. It may not mark the output as reviewed, and it may not delete the mark.

**AI may:**

- Add the standard first line, including the tool name and the time, when a person saves the output
- List saved outputs from the past month that do not have the mark

**AI must not:**

- Must not mark an output as reviewed by a lawyer unless that lawyer has recorded the review
- Must not remove the mark when the text is copied into a draft
- Must not treat a marked output as ready to file

**The lawyer checks:**

- Relied-on output names the lawyer who reviewed it and the date
- A draft that started from tool output still carries the mark or a note of the source
- The mark is not sent to a client or a court as if it were part of the legal text, unless a court order requires disclosure of the tool

## Authorities

- [ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (July 29, 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf)
- [ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.1 (Competence)](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_1_competence/)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/ai-decision-systems/us-mark-generative-ai-output-in-the-file and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

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