1. A time limit specified in a statute; esp., the period prescribed in the relevant statute of limitations. • This period includes, in addition to a fixed number of years, whatever time local law allows because of infancy, insanity, coverture, and other like circumstances.
2. Patents. The time available to a patent applicant to answer an examiner’s office action. • Since the six-month period is set by statute, it cannot be extended. 35 USCA § 133. Cf. SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD.
