What format is required for submitting sequence listings in provisional applications filed on or after July 1, 2022?

For provisional applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, if an applicant chooses to submit nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence data, it must be in a specific format. The MPEP states: if submitted in a provisional application filed on or after July 1, 2022, any submission of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence data must…

Read More

What is a “Sequence Listing XML” and why must it be valid according to the DTD?

A “Sequence Listing XML” is a standardized format for presenting nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences in patent applications. It must be valid according to the Document Type Definition (DTD) as specified in MPEP § 2413.01(b) and 37 CFR 1.833(b)(1). The MPEP states: “The ‘Sequence Listing XML’ presented in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section…

Read More

What are the requirements for content of a “Sequence Listing” part of the specification under WIPO ST.25?

The requirements for the content of a “Sequence Listing” part of the specification under WIPO ST.25 are outlined in 37 CFR 1.823. However, it’s important to note that these requirements are not applicable to all patent applications. As stated in the MPEP: “[Editor Note: This section is not applicable to applications filed on or after…

Read More

What are the requirements for submitting a “Sequence Listing” in a patent application?

According to MPEP 2427, patent applications containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosures must include a “Sequence Listing” as a separate part of the disclosure. This can be submitted in several ways: As an ASCII text file via the USPTO’s electronic filing system On read-only optical discs As a PDF file via EFS-Web or Patent…

Read More

What are the length thresholds for nucleotide and amino acid sequences requiring a “Sequence Listing”?

According to MPEP 2422.01, the length thresholds for nucleotide and amino acid sequences requiring a “Sequence Listing” are: An unbranched sequence of four or more amino acids An unbranched sequence of ten or more nucleotides The MPEP states: “Nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as used in 37 CFR 1.821 through 37 CFR 1.825 are interpreted…

Read More

How should sequence identifiers be used in patent applications?

Sequence identifiers are crucial for proper identification of nucleotide and amino acid sequences in patent applications. According to MPEP 2427: Nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences appearing in the specification or drawings must be identified by sequence identifiers. The sequence identifier should be preceded by “SEQ ID NO:” in the text of the description or claims.…

Read More

What is a Sequence Identifier (SEQ ID NO) and how is it used in patent applications?

A Sequence Identifier (SEQ ID NO) is a unique number assigned to each disclosed nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence in a patent application. According to MPEP 2422.01: “37 CFR 1.821(d) and 37 CFR 1.823(a)(5) require that each disclosed nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence in the application appear separately in the “Sequence Listing”, with…

Read More