What are the size restrictions for ASCII plain text files submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30

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 has specific size restrictions for ASCII plain text files submitted via their patent electronic filing system:

The size limit for “Sequence Listing” ASCII plain text files is 100 megabytes.
Compression is not allowed for “Sequence Listing” files submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system.
For “Large Tables” and “Computer Program Listing Appendix” ASCII plain text files, the size limit is 25 megabytes per submission.

The MPEP states: “One hundred (100) megabytes is the size limit for ‘Sequence Listing’ ASCII plain text files submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system, and compression is not allowed for a ‘Sequence Listing’ submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system.”

If a “Sequence Listing” exceeds 100 megabytes, it is recommended to file the application without the “Sequence Listing” using the USPTO patent electronic filing system to obtain the application number and confirmation number, and then file the “Sequence Listing” on read-only optical disc(s) on the same day.