What are language-dependent free text qualifiers in WIPO Standard ST.26?

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.

Language-dependent free text qualifiers are specific qualifiers in WIPO Standard ST.26 that may require translation for national, regional, or international procedures. These qualifiers provide additional information about sequences in a descriptive text format.

According to WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 3(o), “language-dependent free text” means that the free text value of certain qualifiers, may require translation for national, regional or international procedures.

These qualifiers are used for both nucleotide and amino acid sequences, with specific lists provided in Tables 5 and 6 of WIPO Standard ST.26, Annex I.