What are the WIPO ST.25 requirements for nucleotide and amino acid sequence disclosures 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.

WIPO ST.25 requirements for nucleotide and amino acid sequence disclosures in patent applications are outlined in MPEP 2422. These requirements are largely harmonized with USPTO requirements, but there are some key differences:

• WIPO ST.25 requires that nucleotide sequences containing fewer than 10 specifically defined nucleotides be included in the sequence listing.
• WIPO ST.25 requires that amino acid sequences containing fewer than 4 specifically defined amino acids be included in the sequence listing.

The MPEP states, “The requirements of 37 CFR 1.821 through 37 CFR 1.825 substantially correspond to the requirements of WIPO Standard ST.25 (2009). However, the requirements of 37 CFR 1.821 through 37 CFR 1.825 are less stringent than the requirements of WIPO Standard ST.25 (2009).“