How do the sequence rules apply to amino acid sequences in patent applications?

How do the sequence rules apply to amino acid sequences in patent applications?

The sequence rules in patent applications apply specifically to amino acid sequences of a certain length. According to MPEP 2412.01:

“The rules require disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences […] if a sequence is disclosed in a patent application by enumeration of its residues and contains 10 or more specifically defined nucleotides or 4 or more specifically defined amino acids.”

This means that:

• Amino acid sequences with 4 or more specifically defined residues must be disclosed
• The disclosure should be in the form of a sequence listing
• Each sequence must be assigned a separate sequence identifier (SEQ ID NO)

Applicants must ensure that all qualifying amino acid sequences are properly disclosed to comply with the sequence rules and avoid potential issues in the patent application process.

To learn more:

• amino acid sequences
• sequence rules
• patent applications
• biotechnology