How should sequences derived from multiple sources be represented?

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.

Sequences derived from multiple sources or non-contiguous segments should be represented as follows:

1. Include the constructed sequence in the “Sequence Listing XML” as a single continuous sequence.
2. Assign the constructed sequence its own unique sequence identifier.
3. Describe the source and construction of the sequence in the feature table using appropriate feature keys and qualifiers.

The MPEP states: “A sequence disclosed by enumeration of its residues that is constructed as a single continuous sequence from one or more non-contiguous segments of a larger sequence or of segments from different sequences must be included in the “Sequence Listing XML” and assigned its own sequence identifier.“