How do I request prioritized examination for a request for continued examination (PE-RCE)?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

To request prioritized examination for an RCE (PE-RCE), the following conditions must be met:

• The application must be a non-reissue utility or plant nonprovisional application
• The publication fee must be paid
• The PE-RCE request must be filed before the first Office action after filing the RCE
• Only one PE-RCE request may be granted per application

The MPEP states: A pending patent application in which a request for continued examination has been filed may be granted PE-RCE prioritized examination status under the following conditions…