How are L-amino acids and D-amino acids treated in patent applications?

According to MPEP 2412.03(b), both L-amino acids and D-amino acids are included in the definition of “amino acid” for patent applications. The MPEP states:

“Amino acids will be construed as unmodified L-amino acids unless further described in a feature table.”

This means that:

• L-amino acids are the default assumption and do not require special notation.
• D-amino acids must be explicitly described in the feature table to differentiate them from L-amino acids.
• Both forms are considered valid amino acids for the purposes of patent applications and sequence listings.

To learn more:

• L-amino acids
• D-amino acids
• patent application
• biotechnology