Can sequence listings be amended after the international filing date in PCT applications?
Sequence listings furnished after the international filing date are generally not considered part of the international application. However, amendments to sequence listings may be possible under certain conditions:
- Amendments can be made under PCT Article 34 if the applicant files a Demand for international preliminary examination.
- Any amendments must not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed.
The MPEP states: Any sequence listing not contained in the international application as filed, whether furnished in response to an invitation under paragraph (a) or otherwise, shall not form part of the international application, but this paragraph shall not prevent the applicant from amending the description in relation to a sequence listing pursuant to Article 34(2)(b).
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