When is it appropriate to include sequences in patent drawings?
While sequences should generally be included in the Sequence Listing XML rather than duplicated in drawings, there are several situations where including sequences in patent drawings may be appropriate or necessary. According to MPEP 2412.06: “Many significant sequence characteristics may only be demonstrated by a figure. This is especially true in view of the fact…
Read MoreHow are nucleotide and amino acid sequences represented in patent applications?
According to MPEP 2422.01, nucleotide and amino acid sequences in patent applications are represented as follows: Nucleotide sequences: Represented by symbols set forth in 37 CFR 1.822(b) and Appendices A and B to 37 CFR part 1, Subpart G. Amino acid sequences: Limited to those in 37 CFR 1.822(b) and Appendices C and D to…
Read MoreShould sequences be duplicated in both the Sequence Listing XML and drawings?
Generally, sequences included in the Sequence Listing XML should not be duplicated in the drawings. The MPEP 2412.06 states: “Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.83(a), sequences that are included in the “Sequence Listing XML” should not be duplicated in the drawings.” However, there are exceptions where including sequences in drawings may be necessary or beneficial: To…
Read MoreHow are unknown nucleotides represented in a patent application?
According to MPEP 2412.05(b), unknown nucleotides in patent applications should be represented as follows: Use the symbol “n” to represent any unknown nucleotide in the sequence Further describe the unknown nucleotide in a feature table using the feature key “unsure” The symbol “n” is equivalent to only one residue The MPEP states, “Any “unknown” nucleotide…
Read MoreHow should sequences with gaps or unknowns be represented?
Sequences with gaps or unknowns should be represented as follows: For sequences with known numbers of unknown residues: Include as one sequence in the sequence listing Use “n” for unknown nucleotides and “X” for unknown amino acids Specify the exact number of “n” or “X” residues For sequences with unknown numbers of residues between regions:…
Read MoreHow should modified nucleotides be represented in a sequence listing?
Modified nucleotides should be represented as follows: Represent the modified nucleotide as the corresponding unmodified nucleotide (a, c, g, or t) whenever possible. If it cannot be represented by an unmodified nucleotide, use the symbol “n”. Further describe the modification in the feature table using the feature key “modified_base” and the mandatory qualifier “mod_base”. Use…
Read MoreHow should circular nucleotide sequences be represented in patent applications?
According to MPEP 2412.05(b), circular nucleotide sequences in patent applications should be represented as follows: The applicant must choose the nucleotide in residue position number 1 Numbering is continuous throughout the entire sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction The last residue position number must equal the total number of nucleotides in the sequence The…
Read MoreWhat symbols should be used to represent nucleotides in a sequence?
According to MPEP 2412.05(b), the symbols for representing nucleotides in a sequence are as follows: Use only lower-case letters Refer to Table 1: List of Nucleotides Symbols in MPEP 2412.03(a) The symbol “t” represents thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA Use the most restrictive ambiguity symbol when appropriate The symbol “n” represents any nucleotide…
Read MoreHow should nucleotide sequences be represented in patent applications?
According to MPEP 2412.05(b), nucleotide sequences in patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, must be represented as follows: A single strand, in the 5′ to 3′ direction from left to right Using only lower-case letters The first nucleotide is residue position number 1 Numbering is continuous throughout the sequence As stated in…
Read MoreWhy are drawing figures recommended for certain sequence representations?
Drawing figures are recommended for certain sequence representations because they can effectively illustrate important characteristics that may not be adequately conveyed in a standard sequence listing. The MPEP 2422.02 provides several reasons for this: Double-stranded nucleotides: “The representation of double stranded nucleotides is not permitted in the ‘Sequence Listing’.” Specific nucleotide features: “Many significant nucleotide…
Read More