What are the requirements for submitting a “Sequence Listing” on read-only optical discs?

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.

When submitting a “Sequence Listing” on read-only optical discs, the following requirements must be met:

• The “Sequence Listing” must be a single file, unless it is a compressed file that does not fit on a single read-only optical disc.
• If split across multiple discs, each disc must be labeled with specific information, including the first-named inventor, title of the invention, and disc order (e.g., “1 of X”).
• The discs must not contain PDF image files.
• The submission must fully comply with the guidelines for filing a sequence listing on electronic media.

The MPEP states: “If the user breaks up a sequence listing for submission on multiple read-only optical discs, the read-only optical discs must be labeled to indicate their order (e.g., ‘1 of X’, ‘2 of X’).”

Additionally, for international applications (PCT), the check list of the PCT Request must indicate that the sequence listing will be filed separately on physical data carrier(s), on the same day and in the form of an Annex C/ST.25 text file.