What is the purpose of the <300> numeric identifier in a sequence listing?
The numeric identifier in a sequence listing serves a specific purpose according to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). As stated in MPEP 2424.02:
“ is used for publication information”
This means that the identifier is used to provide information about any publications related to the sequence being listed. This could include details such as:
- Journal articles where the sequence was first published
- Patent documents that previously disclosed the sequence
- Database entries where the sequence is recorded
Including this information helps establish the prior art context for the sequence and can be important for determining novelty and non-obviousness in patent applications.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology,
MPEP 2424.02 - "Sequence Listing" Numeric Identifiers,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure