How are modified nucleotides described in a patent application?

Modified nucleotides in patent applications are described according to MPEP 2412.05(b) as follows:

• Represent modified nucleotides as the corresponding unmodified nucleotides (a, c, g, t) when possible
• Use the symbol “n” for modified nucleotides that cannot be represented by other symbols
• Further describe modified nucleotides in a feature table using the feature key “modified_base”
• Use the mandatory qualifier “mod_base” with an abbreviation from Table 2: List of Modified Nucleotides
• If the abbreviation is “OTHER”, provide the full name in a “note” qualifier

The MPEP states, “Modified nucleotides within a nucleotide sequence must be described in the manner discussed in paragraphs 17, 18, and 19 of WIPO Standard ST.26.” This ensures that modified nucleotides are accurately represented and described in patent applications.

To learn more:

• modified nucleotides
• feature table
• WIPO Standard ST.26
• nucleotide description