What are the requirements for submitting a Sequence Listing in XML format?

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.

According to MPEP 2415.01, a Sequence Listing in XML format must be submitted when:

• An application discloses nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that must be included in a “Sequence Listing”
• The application is filed on or after July 1, 2022

The MPEP states: “For applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, all sequence listings must be submitted as an XML file named ‘SequenceListing.xml’ in accordance with the ‘Standard for the Presentation of Nucleotide and Amino Acid Sequence Listings in Patent Applications’ (hereinafter ‘ST.26 Standard’).”

It’s important to note that this requirement applies to both national and international applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.