What are the WIPO ST.25 requirements for nucleotide and amino acid sequence disclosures in patent applications?
WIPO ST.25 requirements for nucleotide and amino acid sequence disclosures in patent applications are outlined in MPEP 2422. These requirements are largely harmonized with USPTO requirements, but there are some key differences: WIPO ST.25 requires that nucleotide sequences containing fewer than 10 specifically defined nucleotides be included in the sequence listing. WIPO ST.25 requires that…
Read MoreWhat is WIPO ST.25 and how does it relate to patent applications?
WIPO ST.25 is a standard for the presentation of nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings in patent applications. It was used for applications filed before July 1, 2022. The MPEP notes: “This section is not applicable to applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, having disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined…
Read MoreWhat 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 MoreHow does the USPTO use the computer readable form (CRF) of the “Sequence Listing”?
The USPTO uses the computer readable form (CRF) of the “Sequence Listing” for several important purposes, as outlined in the MPEP: The information on the computer readable form will be entered into the Office’s database for searching and printing nucleotide and amino acid sequences. This electronic database will also enable the Office to provide published…
Read MoreWhen did the USPTO implement the Sequence Listing XML requirement?
The USPTO implemented the Sequence Listing XML requirement for patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022. This is clearly stated in the editor’s note of MPEP 2419.01: “[Editor Note: This section is applicable to all applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, having disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences as defined…
Read MoreWhat are the size limits for Sequence Listing submissions via the USPTO patent electronic filing system?
The USPTO has established size limits for Sequence Listing submissions via their patent electronic filing system: The maximum file size for Sequence Listing and CRF text files is 100 megabytes. Files submitted electronically cannot be compressed. If a Sequence Listing or CRF text file exceeds 100 megabytes, it must be filed on read-only optical disc(s).…
Read MoreHow does the USPTO handle applications with sequence listings that do not comply with 37 CFR 1.821-1.825?
The USPTO has specific procedures for handling applications with non-compliant sequence listings, as outlined in MPEP 2422.07: If the application is accepted for filing but the sequence listing is found to be non-compliant, the applicant will be notified. The applicant will be given a time period (usually two months) to submit a compliant “Sequence Listing.”…
Read MoreDoes the USPTO return or preserve the computer readable form (CRF) submitted on read-only optical discs?
No, the USPTO does not permanently preserve or return computer readable forms (CRFs) submitted on read-only optical discs. The MPEP clearly states: The Office does not desire to be bound by a requirement to permanently preserve computer readable forms submitted on read-only optical disc(s) for support, priority or correction purposes. Thus, once use of the…
Read MoreWhat is the preferred method for submitting a “Sequence Listing” to the USPTO?
The USPTO’s preferred method for submitting a “Sequence Listing” is as an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. The MPEP states: Filing the “Sequence Listing” as an ASCII plain text file submitted via the USPTO patent electronic filing system that complies with both 37 CFR 1.821(c) and (e) is the…
Read MoreWhat happens to Sequence Listing XML files that exceed the 600KB limit?
While MPEP 2419.01 does not explicitly state what happens to Sequence Listing XML files that exceed the 600KB limit when transformed into ASCII text, it implies that these larger files are treated differently: “Upon transformation of the .xml file using the style sheet to an ASCII text file, any ASCII text file produced by the…
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