15.1 The request for a decision according to the state of the file 

An applicant may file a request for a decision according to the state of the file at any stage during examination proceedings, provided that at least one communication in examination has been sent (see also C‑V, 15.4). The request should be in writing (see C‑VII, 2.3) and should be explicit and unambiguous, preferably using the wording "according to the state of the file" or "on the file as it stands".

If the request is not clear in this respect, the examiner should solve the ambiguity with an enquiry to the applicant.

If, at the time the applicant files a request for a decision according to the state of the file, a request for oral proceedings is pending, the examining division will interpret the request for a decision as equivalent to the applicant's implicit withdrawal of the pending request for oral proceedings.