711.04(a) Date of Abandonment [R-11.2013]
Applications are not ordinarily reviewed for possible abandonment until the maximum permissible period for which an extension of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) plus 1 month has expired.
The applications should be carefully scrutinized by the appropriate examiner to verify that they are actually abandoned. A check should be made of files containing a decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board for the presence of allowed claims to avoid erroneously treating the proceedings as terminated (see MPEP § 1214.06, subsections II-IV for proper treatment of any claims that stand allowed).
If the application is abandoned, the date of the abandonment is after midnight of the date on which the set shortened statutory period, including any extensions under 37 CFR 1.136, expired. This is normally the end of the 3-month shortened statutory period.