What is the status of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residues in amino acid sequence listings?
According to MPEP 2412.03(b), peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residues have a special status in amino acid sequence listings. The MPEP clearly states: “A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) residue is not considered an amino acid, but is considered a nucleotide.” This distinction is important for patent applicants and examiners because: PNA residues should not be included…
Read MoreWhat should I do if my “Sequence Listing” ASCII plain text file exceeds the 100 megabyte size limit for USPTO electronic filing?
If your “Sequence Listing” ASCII plain text file exceeds the 100 megabyte size limit for USPTO electronic filing, you have the following options: File the application without the “Sequence Listing” using the USPTO patent electronic filing system to obtain the application number and confirmation number. Then, file the “Sequence Listing” on read-only optical disc(s) on…
Read MoreHow can I obtain a copy of a “Sequence Listing” for a patent or patent application?
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a “Sequence Listing”: Download it from the USPTO sequence homepage. Request and pay for an electronic copy through the Patent and Trademark Copy Fulfillment Branch. For patents mailed to applicants, the Office includes a copy of the “Sequence Listing” on an electronic medium if it’s not…
Read MoreWhat symbols should be used for representing nucleotides in a sequence listing?
The MPEP 2423.01 specifies the symbols to be used for representing nucleotides in a sequence listing: “The bases in nucleotide sequences must be represented using the one-letter code for nucleotide sequence characters. Only lower case letters in conformity with the list given in WIPO Standard ST.25 (1998), Appendix 2, Table 1, may be used.” The…
Read MoreWhat are the formatting requirements for nucleotide sequences in a Sequence Listing?
Nucleotide sequences in a Sequence Listing must adhere to specific formatting requirements: Only single strands may be depicted. Strands should be shown in the 5′ to 3′ direction from left to right. The single-stranded nucleotide may represent a strand of a linear or circular, single or double-stranded sequence. As stated in the MPEP: On nucleotide…
Read MoreHow are nucleotide bases represented in a sequence listing?
How are nucleotide bases represented in a sequence listing? Nucleotide bases in a sequence listing are represented using specific symbols as outlined in WIPO Standard ST.25 and referenced in MPEP 2423.01. The representation follows these guidelines: Use the one-letter code for nucleotide sequence bases: A, C, G, T for DNA; A, C, G, U for…
Read MoreWhat are the requirements for using NonEnglishQualifier_value elements in a Sequence Listing?
When using NonEnglishQualifier_value elements in a Sequence Listing, the following requirements must be met: The appropriate language code must be indicated in the nonEnglishFreeTextLanguageCode attribute in the root element. All NonEnglishQualifier_value elements in a single sequence listing must have values in the language indicated by the nonEnglishFreeTextLanguageCode attribute. The NonEnglishQualifier_value element is only permitted for…
Read MoreWhat is a non-lengthy “Sequence Listing XML” in patent applications?
A non-lengthy “Sequence Listing XML” in patent applications refers to an XML file containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence information that, when transformed into an ASCII text file using a style sheet, results in a file size under 600KB. According to MPEP 2419.01, these non-lengthy sequence listings are published as part of the patent specification:…
Read MoreHow does the definition of “Modified Nucleotide” in MPEP 2412.03(e) affect patent applications?
The definition of “Modified Nucleotide” in MPEP 2412.03(e) affects patent applications in several ways: Application Date: It applies to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022. Sequence Disclosure: It’s relevant for applications with nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosures. Sequence Listing: Modified nucleotides must be properly identified and described in the sequence listing of…
Read MoreHow are modified amino acids represented in a sequence listing?
According to MPEP 2412.05(d), modified amino acids should be represented as follows: Represent as the corresponding unmodified amino acid when possible Use ‘X’ for modified amino acids that cannot be represented by other symbols Provide further description in a feature table The MPEP states, “WIPO Standard ST.26, paragraph 29, specifies that modified amino acids, including…
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