What is the purpose of assigning SEQ ID NOs in patent applications?

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.

The purpose of assigning SEQ ID NOs (Sequence Identification Numbers) in patent applications is to provide a standardized way of referencing and identifying specific nucleotide or amino acid sequences. According to MPEP 2421.02, SEQ ID NOs serve several important functions:

• They allow for clear and unambiguous identification of each sequence.
• They facilitate easy reference to specific sequences within the application.
• They enable efficient searching and comparison of sequences across different patent applications.

The MPEP states: “Each sequence must be assigned a separate sequence identifier, referred to as ‘SEQ ID NO:’ even if the sequence is identical to another sequence in the application.” This requirement ensures that each sequence can be uniquely identified and referenced throughout the patent application and during examination.