What does “enumeration of its residues” mean in the context of Sequence Listing XML?

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.

According to MPEP 2412.02(a), “enumeration of its residues” refers to the disclosure of a nucleotide or amino acid sequence in a patent application by listing each residue of the sequence in order. The MPEP cites 37 CFR 1.831(d), which states:

“Enumeration of its residues” 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 (incorporated by reference, see § 1.839).

The MPEP further explains that WIPO Standard ST.26 specifies two ways to represent residues:

• (i) The residue is represented by a name, abbreviation, symbol, or structure (e.g., HHHHHHQ or HisHisHisHisHisHisGln)
• (ii) Multiple residues are represented by a shorthand formula (e.g., His6Gln)