How should sequence identifiers (SEQ ID NOs) be used in patent applications?

Sequence identifiers (SEQ ID NOs) are crucial in patent applications containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences. According to MPEP 2421.02:

• Each disclosed nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence must be assigned a unique SEQ ID NO.
• SEQ ID NOs must be used to identify sequences in the specification, claims, and drawings.
• The SEQ ID NO should be placed adjacent to the sequence or used in a table correlating sequence names with their corresponding SEQ ID NOs.

The MPEP states: “The rules require that the sequence identifiers must be used in all instances where the sequences are disclosed in a patent application.” This ensures clear and consistent referencing of sequences throughout the application.

To learn more:

• sequence identifiers
• SEQ ID NO
• patent applications
• nucleotide sequences
• amino acid sequences