What format is required for submitting sequence listings under the new rules?

Under the new Sequence Rules, patent applicants must submit sequence listings in a specific format. MPEP 2412.01 states that “an applicant is required to submit sequence data… in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format.” This XML file must conform to the requirements specified in 37 CFR 1.831 – 1.834, which in turn reference particular paragraphs of…

Read More

How does the written description requirement apply to biological deposits in patent applications?

The written description requirement, as applied to biological deposits in patent applications, is based on 35 U.S.C. 112(a). According to MPEP 2411.01: “A rejection for lack of written description typically arises in the context that the application as filed does not contain a description to support an amendment to the specification or claims, although it…

Read More

What is WIPO Standard ST.26 and how does it relate to patent applications?

WIPO Standard ST.26 is an international standard that defines the format and content requirements for nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings in patent applications. It was developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to standardize the presentation of sequence information across different patent offices globally. According to MPEP 2412.02(a), WIPO Standard ST.26 is incorporated…

Read More

What is the significance of WIPO Standard ST.26 in the MPEP’s definition of nucleotides?

The MPEP 2412.03(d) explicitly references WIPO Standard ST.26 in its definition of nucleotides: “‘Nucleotide’ includes any nucleotide, nucleotide analog, or modified nucleotide as defined in paragraphs 3(f) and 3(g) 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. Its incorporation…

Read More

How does WIPO Standard ST.26 relate to the MPEP’s definition of “modified amino acid”?

WIPO Standard ST.26 plays a crucial role in the MPEP’s definition of “modified amino acid”. According to MPEP 2412.03(c): “Modified amino acid” includes any amino acid as described in paragraph 3(e) of WIPO Standard ST.26. The MPEP directly incorporates the WIPO Standard ST.26 definition, making it an integral part of the USPTO’s guidelines for patent…

Read More

How does WIPO Standard ST.26 relate to the definition of “Modified Nucleotide” in MPEP 2412.03(e)?

MPEP 2412.03(e) directly references WIPO Standard ST.26 for the definition of “Modified Nucleotide”: “Modified nucleotide” includes any nucleotide as described in paragraph 3(f) of WIPO Standard ST.26. The MPEP further elaborates on WIPO Standard ST.26’s definition: “WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 3(f), identifies that a “modified nucleotide” means any “nucleotide” as explained in MPEP § 2412.03(d)…

Read More