What is the EPO’s policy on nucleotide and amino acid sequences in international applications?

What is the EPO’s policy on nucleotide and amino acid sequences in international applications?

The European Patent Office (EPO) has specific requirements for international applications containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences:

According to the MPEP: Where an international application contains disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, the EPO will search the international application to the extent that a copy of the sequence listing is available to it in electronic form and complies with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions. (MPEP 1840.01)

Key points:

• A copy of the sequence listing must be available in electronic form
• The sequence listing must comply with the standard in the Administrative Instructions
• If these conditions are not met, the EPO’s search may be limited

To learn more:

• EPO
• nucleotide sequences
• amino acid sequences
• international applications
• sequence listing