MPEP § 2414.05 — Notifications for Failure to Submit a “Sequence Listing XML” in an International Application under the PCT to be Searched by the United States International Searching Authority or Examined by International Preliminary Examination Authority (Annotated Rules)

§2414.05 Notifications for Failure to Submit a “Sequence Listing XML” in an International Application under the PCT to be Searched by the United States International Searching Authority or Examined by International Preliminary Examination Authority

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2414.05, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.

Notifications for Failure to Submit a “Sequence Listing XML” in an International Application under the PCT to be Searched by the United States International Searching Authority or Examined by International Preliminary Examination Authority

This section addresses Notifications for Failure to Submit a “Sequence Listing XML” in an International Application under the PCT to be Searched by the United States International Searching Authority or Examined by International Preliminary Examination Authority. Primary authority: 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5) and 37 CFR 1.835. Contains: 2 requirements, 2 permissions, and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Statement Under Article 19

3 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2414-05-511c6efba4fe6bd0b596af84]
Sequence Listing XML Must Accompany Statement of Disclosure Consistency
Note:
The 'Sequence Listing XML' must be accompanied by a statement confirming it does not exceed the disclosure in the filed international application.

(e) If any of the requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not satisfied at the time of filing an international application under the PCT, where the application is to be searched by the United States International Searching Authority or examined by the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority, the applicant may be sent a notice necessitating compliance with the requirements within a prescribed time period. Under PCT Rule 13ter, the applicant can provide, in response to such a requirement or otherwise, a sequence listing that is a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with § 1.831(a). The “Sequence Listing XML” must be accompanied by a statement that the information recorded does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. In response to such a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required. If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831Statement Under Article 19Sequence Listing in PCTPCT International Application Filing
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2414-05-490a667cd73323cc1727b027]
Late Filing Fee Required for Sequence Listing XML
Note:
If an applicant fails to timely provide a 'Sequence Listing XML' in response to a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required.

(e) If any of the requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not satisfied at the time of filing an international application under the PCT, where the application is to be searched by the United States International Searching Authority or examined by the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority, the applicant may be sent a notice necessitating compliance with the requirements within a prescribed time period. Under PCT Rule 13ter, the applicant can provide, in response to such a requirement or otherwise, a sequence listing that is a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with § 1.831(a). The “Sequence Listing XML” must be accompanied by a statement that the information recorded does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. In response to such a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required. If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831Statement Under Article 19Amendments in National StagePCT Article 19 Amendments
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2414-05-4fccdf08fa05a22c8c3d6b49]
Proper Response to Sequence Listing Invitation
Note:
A response to an invitation for a sequence listing must include the listing, late fee, and confirmation it matches the application as filed.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)Statement Under Article 19PCT Description RequirementsEffect of International Filing
Topic

Nationals and Residents

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2414-05-2ff0584e849c43d2ab37cfc6]
Sequence Listing XML Required for PCT Filing
Note:
Applicants must provide a Sequence Listing XML if requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not met at the time of filing an international application under the PCT.

(e) If any of the requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not satisfied at the time of filing an international application under the PCT, where the application is to be searched by the United States International Searching Authority or examined by the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority, the applicant may be sent a notice necessitating compliance with the requirements within a prescribed time period. Under PCT Rule 13ter, the applicant can provide, in response to such a requirement or otherwise, a sequence listing that is a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with § 1.831(a). The “Sequence Listing XML” must be accompanied by a statement that the information recorded does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. In response to such a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required. If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831Nationals and ResidentsInternational Searching Authority (ISA)PCT International Application Filing
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2414-05-e46d5e633fe40d29023e6f40]
Late Submission of Sequence Listing XML Limits Search and Examination
Note:
If the applicant fails to timely provide the required 'Sequence Listing XML', the United States International Searching Authority will search only what can be meaningfully searched without it, and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority will examine only what can be meaningfully examined without it.

(e) If any of the requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not satisfied at the time of filing an international application under the PCT, where the application is to be searched by the United States International Searching Authority or examined by the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority, the applicant may be sent a notice necessitating compliance with the requirements within a prescribed time period. Under PCT Rule 13ter, the applicant can provide, in response to such a requirement or otherwise, a sequence listing that is a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with § 1.831(a). The “Sequence Listing XML” must be accompanied by a statement that the information recorded does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. In response to such a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required. If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831Nationals and ResidentsInternational Searching Authority (ISA)Sequence Listing in PCT
Topic

Sequence Listing in PCT

2 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2414-05-f2261ef6ea500f6170c3cca4]
PCT Sequence Listing XML Requirement
Note:
Applicants must provide a 'Sequence Listing XML' in response to a requirement, as per PCT Rule 13ter and § 1.831(a), ensuring it does not exceed the initial filing.

(e) If any of the requirements of §§ 1.831 through 1.834 are not satisfied at the time of filing an international application under the PCT, where the application is to be searched by the United States International Searching Authority or examined by the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority, the applicant may be sent a notice necessitating compliance with the requirements within a prescribed time period. Under PCT Rule 13ter, the applicant can provide, in response to such a requirement or otherwise, a sequence listing that is a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with § 1.831(a). The “Sequence Listing XML” must be accompanied by a statement that the information recorded does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed. In response to such a requirement, the late furnishing fee set forth in § 1.445(a)(5) is also required. If the applicant fails to timely provide the required “Sequence Listing XML,” the United States International Searching Authority shall search only to the extent that a meaningful search can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML,” and the United States International Preliminary Examining Authority shall examine only to the extent that a meaningful examination can be performed without the “Sequence Listing XML.”

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831Sequence Listing in PCTSequence Listing FormatPatent Cooperation Treaty
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2414-05-fcd101c985e44f25cc1693a4]
Sequence Listing Must Comply with Annex C of AI
Note:
Any sequence listing, whether part of the international application or not, must adhere to the standards set out in Annex C of the Administrative Instructions.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)Sequence Listing in PCTPCT International Application FilingSequence Listing Format
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Timing

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2414-05-e08d7eb1cc57d9c9a7becadf]
Sequence Listing Must Be Provided Within Time Limit
Note:
Applicant must submit a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 within the time limit specified by ISA/IPEA.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)Article 19 Amendment TimingStatement Under Article 19Amendments in National Stage
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2414-05-014ee32242e98605d88929f9]
Sequence Listing Required for Meaningful Search/Examination
Note:
If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 is not provided within the time limit, the ISA/IPEA will only search or examine to the extent possible without it.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)Article 19 Amendment TimingArticle 34 AmendmentsInternational Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)
Topic

International Filing Date

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2414-05-3829cca09b1b9ca729b97860]
Disclosure of Nucleotide and Amino Acid Sequences Required for Filing on or After July 1, 2022
Note:
All applications with a filing date on or after July 1, 2022, must disclose one or more nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(b).

[Editor Note: This section is applicable to all applications with a filing date, or, for national phase applications, an international filing date, on or after July 1, 2022, having disclosure of one or more nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(b).]

37 CFR 1.77 · 37 CFR 1.831(b)International Filing DateNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

PCT Description Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2414-05-03436a9df0dd8afc88f59bf7]
PCT Description Must Include Sequence Listing
Note:
The description of an international PCT application containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences must include a compliant sequence listing as per Administrative Instructions.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)PCT Description RequirementsSequence Listing in PCTPCT Description and Claims
Topic

International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)

1 rules
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-2414-05-e462faeda7ab0c0f39b907e6]
ISA/IPEA May Invite Applicant to Furnish Sequence Listing
Note:
If an international application lacks a sequence listing in compliance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as ISA or IPEA, it may invite the applicant to provide one within a specified time limit, along with a late furnishing fee.

Where an international application, filed under the PCT, contains a disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, PCT Rule 5.2 requires that the description shall include a sequence listing part of the description complying with the standard provided for in the Administrative Instructions (AI). In accordance with Section 208, any sequence listing, whether forming part of the international application or not forming part of the international application, shall comply with Annex C of the AI. Where applicant has not provided a sequence listing in accordance with Annex C of the AI and the USPTO acts as International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), the ISA/IPEA may invite applicant to furnish a sequence listing, with a late furnishing fee, under PCT Rule 13ter. This invitation will specify a time limit for a proper response. A proper response to such an invitation would include, the submission of a sequence listing accordance with Annex C of the AI, the late furnishing fee specified in 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5), and a statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure of the international application as filed. If a sequence listing compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26 has not been furnished to the ISA/IPEA within the time limit set forth in the invitation, the ISA/IPEA will only search/examine the international application to the extent that a meaningful search or examination can be performed without the sequence listing.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.445(a)(5)International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)International Searching Authority (ISA)Sequence Listing in PCT
Topic

Sequence Listing Format

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2414-05-c43c5f7080e7912ad54ce577]
Requirement for Sequence Listing XML Format
Note:
Patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, must include a properly formatted Sequence Listing XML to be searchable and examinable by the United States International Searching Authority.

See MPEP §§ 1823.02 and 1848.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.835Sequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Article 19 Amendment Timing
International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)
Nationals and Residents
PCT Description Requirements
Sequence Listing in PCT
Statement Under Article 19
37 CFR § 1.445(a)(5)
Nationals and Residents
Sequence Listing in PCT
Statement Under Article 19
37 CFR § 1.831
Nationals and Residents
Sequence Listing in PCT
Statement Under Article 19
37 CFR § 1.831(a)
International Filing Date37 CFR § 1.831(b)
Sequence Listing FormatMPEP § 1823.02
Article 19 Amendment Timing
International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)
Nationals and Residents
PCT Description Requirements
Sequence Listing in PCT
Statement Under Article 19
PCT Rule 13ter
Article 19 Amendment Timing
International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)
PCT Description Requirements
Sequence Listing in PCT
Statement Under Article 19
PCT Rule 5.2

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

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BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31