Legal Definitions - RCE

Definition: RCE is an abbreviation for "Request for Continued Examination".

When a patent application is filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the examiner assigned to the application will review it and issue an Office Action. An Office Action is a written communication from the examiner that may include rejections or objections to the claims made in the application. If the applicant disagrees with the examiner's findings, they may file an RCE to request that the examiner continue to review the application.

For example, if an applicant receives an Office Action rejecting their patent application, they may file an RCE to request that the examiner continue to review the application and reconsider their findings.