What is the XML declaration required for a “Sequence Listing XML”?

According to MPEP 2413.01(c), the XML declaration required for a “Sequence Listing XML” is: This declaration is specified in WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 39(a), and must be included in the “Sequence Listing XML” as per 37 CFR 1.833(b)(2)(i). XML Declaration Required for Sequence Listing MPEP 2413.01(c) Required XML Declaration Must Be First Line of Sequence…

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

What is a “Sequence Listing” in patent applications?

A “Sequence Listing” is a separate part of a patent application that contains disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, along with associated information, using a standardized format and symbols. According to MPEP 2421.01, it is required for applications containing disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that fall within the definitions of 37 CFR…

Read More

How does the predictability of a technology affect enablement requirements?

The predictability of a technology significantly affects enablement requirements in patent law. Generally, less predictable technologies require more detailed disclosure to satisfy the enablement requirement. The MPEP Section 2164.06(b) provides examples illustrating this principle: In the Enzo Biochem v. Calgene case, the court noted that “antisense gene technology was highly unpredictable.” This unpredictability contributed to…

Read More

What is the root element requirement for a “Sequence Listing XML” in patent applications?

The “Sequence Listing XML” in patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, must contain a root element as defined in paragraph 43 of WIPO Standard ST.26. This requirement is specified in 37 CFR 1.833(b)(2)(iii). The root element must include several attributes, as stated in the MPEP: “WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 43, proscribes the…

Read More

How should a Sequence Listing be formatted?

A Sequence Listing must be formatted according to specific standards set by the USPTO. As stated in MPEP 2421.01: 37 CFR 1.821(c) requires that applications containing disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that fall within the definitions of 37 CFR 1.821(a) contain, as a separate part, a disclosure of the nucleotide and/or amino acid…

Read More

What are the file format requirements for submitting a “Sequence Listing” as an ASCII plain text file?

According to MPEP 2425, the ASCII plain text file for a “Sequence Listing” must meet the following requirements: Must be compatible with PC or Mac® computers and MS-DOS®, MS-Windows®, Mac OS®, or Unix®/Linux® operating systems Must be in ASCII plain text format, allowing all printable characters but no nonprintable characters (except ASCII CRLF or LF…

Read More