The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Patent Law: Why might you (or might you not) file an RCE as opposed to a continuation application?
That makes sense. Are there any downsides to filing an RCE or a continuation application?
There can be. For example, filing too many RCEs can indicate to the USPTO that the application lacks clarity or that the applicant is not making significant advances in prosecution. And filing too many continuation applications can be expensive and potentially harmful to the strength of the overall patent portfolio.