What is a “Modified Nucleotide” according to MPEP 2412.03(e)?

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 2412.03(e), a “Modified nucleotide” is defined as follows:

“Modified nucleotide” includes any nucleotide as described in paragraph 3(f) of WIPO Standard ST.26.

Further explanation from WIPO Standard ST.26 states that a modified nucleotide is any nucleotide other than the standard DNA and RNA nucleotides. Specifically, it excludes:

• deoxyadenosine 3′-monophosphate
• deoxyguanosine 3′-monophosphate
• deoxycytidine 3′-monophosphate
• deoxythymidine 3′-monophosphate
• adenosine 3′-monophosphate
• guanosine 3′-monophosphate
• cytidine 3′-monophosphate
• uridine 3′-monophosphate