Please look at this sentence from MPEP,
If the application is a utility or plant application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) on or after 11.29. 2000, the specific reference to the prior application must be submitted during the pendency of the application and within the later of four months from the actual filing date of the application or 16 months from the prior application.
What is the meaning of "later of 4 months?". For instance the actual filing date is 12.01. 10, the later of 4 months will be 3.01.11?
Thank you for reply.