What is a Computer Readable Form (CRF) of the Sequence Listing?

A Computer Readable Form (CRF) of the Sequence Listing is a digital version of the sequence information that must be submitted along with the patent application. According to MPEP 2421.02, the sequence rules include “the requirement for a computer readable form (CRF) of the ‘Sequence Listing’.”

Key points about the CRF:

• It’s a mandatory submission alongside the written Sequence Listing
• It allows for efficient processing and searching of sequence data by the patent office
• It must be in a specific format as defined by the USPTO
• It facilitates the incorporation of sequence data into searchable databases

The CRF requirement ensures that sequence information can be easily accessed, analyzed, and compared using computer systems, which is crucial for efficient patent examination and prior art searches in the field of biotechnology.

To learn more:

• Computer Readable Form
• CRF
• Sequence Listing
• Patent Applications
• Biotechnology Patents