Can provisional applications be amended to correct a non-compliant Sequence Listing XML?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-29

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.

No, provisional applications cannot be amended to correct a non-compliant Sequence Listing XML. The MPEP clearly states:

Provisional applications cannot be amended, so if a provisional application contains a non-compliant “Sequence Listing XML” no notice relating to the requirements will be mailed in a provisional application.

This means that if you submit a non-compliant Sequence Listing XML in a provisional application, you will not receive any notice about the non-compliance, and you cannot amend the application to correct it. It’s crucial to ensure that any Sequence Listing XML submitted with a provisional application is fully compliant with the requirements from the outset.

Topics: Compliance With 37 Cfr 1.831 - 1.834 MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology MPEP 2415.02 - Provisional Applications Containing Disclosures Of Nucleotides And/Or Amino Acids Patent Law Patent Procedure
Tags: Filing Date Components