What is a “Computer Program Listing Appendix” and how should it be submitted?

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.

A “Computer Program Listing Appendix” is a document that lists the instructions, routines, and other contents of a program for a computer. It should be submitted as an ASCII plain text file via the USPTO patent electronic filing system or on read-only optical disc if it exceeds 300 lines of code.

As stated in MPEP 608.05(a): A “computer program listing”, as used in these rules, means the document that lists, in proper order, the instructions, routines, and other contents of a program for a computer. The listing may be either in machine or machine-independent (object or source) programming language which will cause a computer to perform a desired procedure or task, such as solving a problem, regulating the flow of work in a computer, or controlling or monitoring events.

The specification must include an incorporation by reference statement for the Computer Program Listing Appendix file.