What is the recommended format for submitting a “Sequence Listing” in a patent application?

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.

The USPTO recommends submitting a “Sequence Listing” as an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system rather than as a PDF image file. This is because:

• If submitted as an ASCII plain text file in compliance with 37 CFR 1.824, it will serve as both the “Sequence Listing” under 37 CFR 1.821(c) and the CRF of the “Sequence Listing” under 37 CFR 1.821(e).
• It eliminates the need for a second copy of the “Sequence Listing” as a PDF image file or on physical sheets of paper.
• It eliminates the need for a statement indicating that the sequence information in the “Sequence Listing” and CRF copy are identical.

The MPEP states: “It is recommended that a ‘Sequence Listing’ be submitted as an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system rather than as a PDF image file.”