How should sequences be referenced in patent application drawings?
When sequences are presented in drawings of a patent application, 37 CFR 1.831(c) provides specific guidelines:
“Where a sequence is presented in a drawing, reference must be made to the sequence by use of the sequence identifier (§ 1.832(a)), either in the drawing or in the Brief Description of the Drawings, where the correlation between multiple sequences in the drawing and their sequence identifiers (§ 1.832(a)) in the Brief Description is clear.”
This means that any sequence shown in a drawing must be referenced using its corresponding SEQ ID NO, either directly in the drawing or in the Brief Description of the Drawings section, ensuring clear identification of each sequence.
To learn more:
Topics:
MPEP 2400 - Biotechnology,
MPEP 2412.04 - Use Of Sequence Identifiers To Denote Sequences Disclosed In The Description Or Claims,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure