What are the WIPO ST.26 requirements for applications filed on or after July 1, 2022?

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.

The MPEP 2422.06 section includes an important editor’s note regarding applications filed on or after July 1, 2022:

“[Editor Note: This section is not applicable to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, having disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(b). See MPEP §§ 2412 – 2419 for guidance on WIPO ST.26 requirements for applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.]”

This note indicates that for applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, with disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, different requirements apply. These requirements are based on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.26.

To understand the specific WIPO ST.26 requirements, applicants should refer to MPEP §§ 2412 – 2419. These sections provide detailed guidance on the new standards for sequence listings in patent applications, which aim to harmonize the presentation of nucleotide and amino acid sequences across different patent offices worldwide.