What are the requirements for sequence listings in patent applications?

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.

The requirements for sequence listings in patent applications are outlined in MPEP 2422.02:

• All sequences that meet the length thresholds (10 or more nucleotides or 4 or more amino acids) must be included in the sequence listing.
• The sequence listing must be submitted as a separate part of the disclosure.
• Each sequence must be assigned a unique sequence identifier.
• The sequence listing must comply with the format specified in 37 CFR 1.822.

The MPEP states: “Patent applications which contain disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences must contain, as a separate part of the disclosure, a paper or compact disc copy disclosing the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences and associated information using the symbols and format in accordance with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.821 – 1.825.“