How should a Sequence Listing be formatted?

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.

A Sequence Listing must be formatted according to specific standards set by the USPTO. As stated in MPEP 2421.01:

37 CFR 1.821(c) requires that applications containing disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that fall within the definitions of 37 CFR 1.821(a) contain, as a separate part, a disclosure of the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, and associated information, using the format and symbols that are set forth in 37 CFR 1.822 and 37 CFR 1.823.

The specific format and symbols to be used are detailed in 37 CFR 1.822 and 37 CFR 1.823. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure your Sequence Listing is accepted by the USPTO.