How should ASCII plain text files be submitted for sequence listings, large tables, or computer program listings?

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.

ASCII plain text files for sequence listings, large tables, or computer program listings should be submitted as follows:

• Files must be in ASCII plain text format.
• They should be submitted on a compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or other acceptable electronic media.
• Each file type (sequence listing, table, or computer program listing) should be on a separate disc or media.
• The file names should clearly indicate their content (e.g., “seqlist.txt”, “table.txt”, “program.txt”).

As stated in MPEP 608.05, “A Sequence Listing, a large table, or a computer program listing submitted as an ASCII plain text file may be submitted on compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or other acceptable electronic media.”