What is a non-lengthy “Sequence Listing XML” 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.

A non-lengthy “Sequence Listing XML” in patent applications refers to an XML file containing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence information that, when transformed into an ASCII text file using a style sheet, results in a file size under 600KB. According to MPEP 2419.01, these non-lengthy sequence listings are published as part of the patent specification:

“Upon transformation of the .xml file using the style sheet to an ASCII text file, any ASCII text file produced by the USPTO that is under 600KB will be published as part of the specification.”