Request for Continued Examination (RCE)

What is an RCE?

• A request for continued examination is exactly what the name implies. You are essentially requesting the examiner to examine your application again in light of the new amendments.
• The benefit of filing an RCE as opposed to a new application is that you do not have to go to the back of the examination line like you would if you were to file a new application. Therefore, you should receive another office action within a few months as opposed to a couple of years.

What does an RCE cost?

• Besides the usual attorney’s fees for preparing amendments and arguments, there is also a Patent Office fee of several hundred dollars for small companies and individuals.