How do I submit a Sequence Listing XML file for a national stage 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.

For national stage applications, you can submit the Sequence Listing XML file in one of two ways:

• With the initial submission: Include the Sequence Listing XML file with your initial submission documents.
• After the initial submission: Submit the Sequence Listing XML file via EFS-Web or Patent Center as a ‘Sequence Listing XML’ document code.

The MPEP states: “For national stage applications, the “Sequence Listing XML” may be submitted with the initial submission or submitted thereafter via EFS-Web or Patent Center using document code “Sequence Listing XML”.” (MPEP 2413.03)

It’s important to note that the Sequence Listing XML must be a separate file and not embedded within the application specification.