What are the requirements for presenting sequences 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.

For patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, that disclose nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequences falling within the definition in 37 CFR 1.831(b), there are specific requirements for presenting these sequences. According to MPEP 2412.06:

“37 CFR 1.831(a) requires conformance to the requirements of 37 CFR 1.832 through 37 CFR 1.834 with regard to the manner in which the disclosed nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences are presented and described.”

This requirement ensures consistency in sequence representation across patent applications.