How should sequence identifiers (SEQ ID NOs) be used in patent applications?

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.

Sequence identifiers (SEQ ID NOs) are crucial in patent applications containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences. According to MPEP 2421.02:

• Each disclosed nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence must be assigned a unique SEQ ID NO.
• SEQ ID NOs must be used to identify sequences in the specification, claims, and drawings.
• The SEQ ID NO should be placed adjacent to the sequence or used in a table correlating sequence names with their corresponding SEQ ID NOs.

The MPEP states: “The rules require that the sequence identifiers must be used in all instances where the sequences are disclosed in a patent application.” This ensures clear and consistent referencing of sequences throughout the application.