What are the consequences of failing to timely provide a required “Sequence Listing XML”?

If an applicant fails to timely provide a required “Sequence Listing XML” in response to a notice from the United States International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), there are significant consequences for the search and examination of the application. MPEP 2414.05 states:

“If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

This means that the scope of the search and examination will be limited, potentially affecting the comprehensive evaluation of the application’s patentability.

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Topics: MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology, Patent Law, Patent Procedure
Tags: Consequences, international application, ipea, Isa, PCT, sequence listing xml, USPTO