When is an English translation of a “Sequence Listing XML” required?

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.

An English translation of a “Sequence Listing XML” is required when the original submission contains language-dependent free text elements in a language other than English. This requirement is based on 37 CFR 1.52(b)(1)(ii), which states:

“[The application] must: Be in the English language or be accompanied by a translation of the application and a translation of any corrections or amendments into the English language together with a statement that the translation is accurate.”

Therefore, any non-English text in the “Sequence Listing XML” must be translated to ensure compliance with USPTO regulations.