How do the Sequence Rules relate to WIPO Standard ST.26?
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 Sequence Rules are closely aligned with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.26. MPEP 2412.01 states that the XML file of the sequence information must conform to requirements that “specify requirements of particular paragraphs of WIPO Standard ST.26.”
WIPO Standard ST.26 is an international standard for the presentation of nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings in patent applications. By aligning with this standard, the USPTO ensures that sequence listings are consistent across different patent offices worldwide, facilitating international patent applications and examinations.