How 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 37 CFR part 1, Subpart G, and L-amino acids commonly found in naturally occurring proteins.
The MPEP states: “Nucleotide sequences are further limited to those that can be represented by the symbols set forth in 37 CFR 1.822(b) and Appendices A and B to 37 CFR part 1, Subpart G” and “Amino acid sequences are further limited to those in 37 CFR 1.822(b) and Appendices C and D to 37 CFR part 1, Subpart G and those L-amino acids that are commonly found in naturally occurring proteins.“
It’s important to note that the presence of non-typical linkages or modifications doesn’t necessarily exclude a sequence from these rules, but the presence of D-amino acids in a sequence will exclude it from the scope of the rules.
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