MPEP § 2415.01 — Determining if a “Sequence Listing XML” Must be Submitted (Annotated Rules)

§2415.01 Determining if a “Sequence Listing XML” Must be Submitted

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

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 2415.01, 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.

Determining if a “Sequence Listing XML” Must be Submitted

This section addresses Determining if a “Sequence Listing XML” Must be Submitted. Primary authority: 35 U.S.C. 111(a), 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and 35 U.S.C. 120. Contains: 3 requirements and 1 other statement.

Key Rules

Topic

Sequence Listing Format

3 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-b8385214aab4d0a4fb3f4104]
Reissue Application Sequence Listing Rules Not Dependent on Original Patent Filing Date
Note:
The rules for sequence listings in reissue applications do not depend on the filing date of the original patent.

Compliance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.26) is also applicable to any reissue application filed on or after July 1, 2022, where the disclosure or claims contain nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(a) or (b). The filing date of the originally granted patent for which reissue is sought is not relevant in determining the applicability date of 37 CFR 1.831 – 1.835.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.831Sequence Listing FormatSequence Listing RequirementsSequence Listing Content
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2415-01-cd49d4f96f9be3b63f42a5f5]
Filing Date Determines Sequence Listing Rules
Note:
The actual filing date of an application determines which sequence listing rules must be followed, simplifying the process for both applicants and the USPTO.

Relying on the actual filing date of an application to determine whether sequence information must conform to 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.25) or 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.26) simplifies the application of the sequence rules, both for the USPTO and the applicant. Though 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825 remain applicable for applications with a filing date before July 1, 2022, those provisions will not be applicable to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.821Sequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-0ef2a9ca9ffd9c04d981c668]
Sequence Listing XML Required Before July 1, 2022
Note:
For applications filed before July 1, 2022, the sequence listing must be in XML format as per 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825; this requirement does not apply to filings on or after that date.

Relying on the actual filing date of an application to determine whether sequence information must conform to 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.25) or 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.26) simplifies the application of the sequence rules, both for the USPTO and the applicant. Though 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825 remain applicable for applications with a filing date before July 1, 2022, those provisions will not be applicable to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.821Sequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements
Topic

Sequence Listing Content

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-5d9a2ae393dac804db53202f]
Requirement for Sequence Listing XML Submission
Note:
This rule requires the submission of a 'Sequence Listing XML' for applications with disclosure of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences on or after July 1, 2022.

[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)Sequence Listing ContentSequence Listing RequirementsSequence Listing Format
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-8d9ccf40644278db035920f0]
Reissue Applications with Nucleotide/Amino Acid Sequences Must Comply With Specific Rules
Note:
Any reissue application filed on or after July 1, 2022, that includes nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences must comply with the rules defined in 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835.

Compliance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 (rules based on WIPO Standard ST.26) is also applicable to any reissue application filed on or after July 1, 2022, where the disclosure or claims contain nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(a) or (b). The filing date of the originally granted patent for which reissue is sought is not relevant in determining the applicability date of 37 CFR 1.831 – 1.835.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.831Sequence Listing ContentSequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements
Topic

International Filing Date

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-ee1ac99d1a264d2acf97ae23]
International Filing Date as National Stage Filing Date
Note:
The filing date of an international stage application is also the filing date for the national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371.

As provided in 35 U.S.C. 363, the filing date of an international stage application is also the filing date for the national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. 371. Accordingly, for applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371, WIPO Standard ST.26 will apply to such applications based on the international filing date of the corresponding international application, rather than the date of submission of the national stage application in the USPTO. See also MPEP § 1893.03(b).

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Filing DateNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-2415-01-3f9e4dd1f171c81cbc47550c]
International Filing Date Determines USPTO Submission
Note:
For applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371, the international filing date of the corresponding international application determines the requirements for submission in the USPTO, rather than the national stage application's submission date.

As provided in 35 U.S.C. 363, the filing date of an international stage application is also the filing date for the national stage application filed under 35 U.S.C. 371. Accordingly, for applications submitted under 35 U.S.C. 371, WIPO Standard ST.26 will apply to such applications based on the international filing date of the corresponding international application, rather than the date of submission of the national stage application in the USPTO. See also MPEP § 1893.03(b).

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Filing DateNationals and ResidentsReceiving Office (RO/US)
Topic

Benefit Claim in ADS

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2415-01-4ec074d869510ceff5017533]
Sequence Listing XML Required for Nucleotide and Amino Acid Sequences
Note:
Applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, must include a Sequence Listing in XML format for any nucleotide or amino acid sequences.

An application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) that has a filing date on or after July 1, 2022, or an application which entered the national stage, having an international filing date on or after July 1, 2022, will be required to provide a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 for disclosures of any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that meet the definitions of 37 CFR 1.831(a) and (b). This includes applications having filing date or international filing date on or after July 1, 2022, that claim benefit or priority to applications with filing dates before July 1, 2022. Such applications include, but are not limited to, applications having one or more benefit or priority claims under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) (claiming the benefit of a provisional), 35 U.S.C. 120 (claiming the benefit as a continuation and/or continuation-in-part), 37 CFR 1.121 (claiming the benefit as a divisional), 35 U.S.C. 365(c) (claiming the benefit as a continuing application to a PCT application), or 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) or 35 U.S.C. 365(a) (claiming the priority to a foreign filed application or a prior filed PCT). If a prior application to which benefit or priority is claimed contains a “Sequence Listing” in Standard ST.25 format (in compliance with 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825), the applicant will be required to transform that “Sequence Listing” into WIPO Standard ST.26 format (a “Sequence Listing XML” in compliance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835) for inclusion in the new application filed on or after July 1, 2022.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.831Benefit Claim in ADSContinuation Benefit ClaimsArticle 19 Amendment Scope
Topic

Continuation Benefit Claims

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-2415-01-e876103fa8224e3407945a54]
Transform Sequence Listing for Continuation Applications
Note:
Applicants must convert a prior application’s ST.25 format ‘Sequence Listing’ to ST.26 XML format for new applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.

An application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) that has a filing date on or after July 1, 2022, or an application which entered the national stage, having an international filing date on or after July 1, 2022, will be required to provide a “Sequence Listing XML” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835 for disclosures of any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that meet the definitions of 37 CFR 1.831(a) and (b). This includes applications having filing date or international filing date on or after July 1, 2022, that claim benefit or priority to applications with filing dates before July 1, 2022. Such applications include, but are not limited to, applications having one or more benefit or priority claims under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) (claiming the benefit of a provisional), 35 U.S.C. 120 (claiming the benefit as a continuation and/or continuation-in-part), 37 CFR 1.121 (claiming the benefit as a divisional), 35 U.S.C. 365(c) (claiming the benefit as a continuing application to a PCT application), or 35 U.S.C. 119(a) – (d) or 35 U.S.C. 365(a) (claiming the priority to a foreign filed application or a prior filed PCT). If a prior application to which benefit or priority is claimed contains a “Sequence Listing” in Standard ST.25 format (in compliance with 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825), the applicant will be required to transform that “Sequence Listing” into WIPO Standard ST.26 format (a “Sequence Listing XML” in compliance with 37 CFR 1.831 through 1.835) for inclusion in the new application filed on or after July 1, 2022.

Jump to MPEP Source · 37 CFR 1.831Continuation Benefit ClaimsSequence Listing FormatSequence Listing Requirements

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 119(a)
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 119(e)
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 120
International Filing Date35 U.S.C. § 363
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 365(a)
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
35 U.S.C. § 365(c)
International Filing Date35 U.S.C. § 371
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
37 CFR § 1.121
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
Sequence Listing Format
37 CFR § 1.821
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
Sequence Listing Content
Sequence Listing Format
37 CFR § 1.831
Benefit Claim in ADS
Continuation Benefit Claims
Sequence Listing Content
Sequence Listing Format
37 CFR § 1.831(a)
Sequence Listing Content37 CFR § 1.831(b)
International Filing DateMPEP § 1893.03(b)

Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP

This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31