What is the optional ‘id’ attribute for language-dependent qualifiers in a 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.

For language-dependent qualifiers in a Sequence Listing XML, an optional ‘id’ attribute can be included in the INSDQualifier element. This attribute has specific formatting requirements:

• The value must be in the format “q” followed by a positive integer (e.g., “q23”).
• The attribute value must be unique to one INSDQualifier element within the Sequence Listing XML file.

The MPEP states: “For language-dependent qualifiers, the INSDQualifier element may include an optional attribute id. The value of this attribute must be in the format “q” followed by a positive integer, e.g. “q23”, and must be unique to one INSDQualifier element, i.e. the attribute value must only be used once in a “Sequence Listing XML” file.”

This optional attribute can be useful for referencing specific qualifiers within the Sequence Listing XML.