What does “enumeration of its residues” mean 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.

“Enumeration of its residues” refers to the disclosure of a nucleotide or amino acid sequence in a patent application. According to MPEP 2412.02(a), it means:

“disclosure of a nucleotide or amino acid sequence in a patent application by listing, in order, each residue of the sequence, where the residues are represented in the manner as defined in paragraph 3(c)(i) or (ii) of WIPO Standard ST.26”

This definition applies to patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022, that contain nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosures as defined in 37 CFR 1.831(b).