How should a Sequence Listing be submitted in a patent application?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

A Sequence Listing can be submitted in a patent application in several ways:

1. As an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system or on read-only optical disc(s).
2. As a PDF image file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system.
3. On physical sheets of paper.

The MPEP recommends: The USPTO encourages applicants to file their patent applications via the USPTO patent electronic filing system and imposes a surcharge for non-electronic filing of an original patent application (excluding reissue, design, plant, and provisional applications). Filing a “Sequence Listing” via USPTO patent electronic filing system as a PDF image file or on physical sheets of paper is not recommended. (MPEP 2429)

It’s important to note that submitting as an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system or on read-only optical disc(s) offers advantages, such as exclusion from application size fees and serving as both the Sequence Listing and CRF.