Professional Sequence Listing Services for Patent Success

A sequence listing contains nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences disclosed in a patent application and forms part of the description. It includes descriptive information about each sequence, known as annotations, and conforms to the requirements of the relevant WIPO standard (ST.25 or ST.26). It allows the sequence data of an invention to be searchable within an IP office and in publicly available databases (e.g., INSDC databases).

They ensure uniformity in disclosure of biological sequences across patent applications worldwide, facilitating examination and enabling efficient electronic data exchange between patent offices.

A sequence listing is required when your patent application discloses one or more nucleotide or amino acid sequences that fall within the definition of sequence disclosure under applicable rules.

ST.26 is the current global standard for sequence listings in XML format, replacing the older ST.25 standard. It became mandatory for all international patent applications filed on or after July 1, 2022.

ST.26 differs from ST.25 by using XML instead of plain text, requiring the inclusion of D-amino acids, branched sequence portions, and nucleotide analogs. It also allows more detailed annotations with feature keys and qualifiers, and prohibits sequences shorter than 10 nucleotides or 4 amino acids, which ST.25 permits.

Yes, ST.26 is mandatory for all international patent applications (PCT) filed on or after July 1, 2022, and for many national/regional applications depending on local implementation.

All disclosed sequences with 10+ nucleotides or 4+ amino acids must be included, whether in claims, description, drawings, or sequence listing.

Yes, modified nucleotides and amino acids must be included and appropriately annotated according to ST.26 rules.

Sequences shorter than 10 nucleotides or 4 amino acids should not be included in ST.26 sequence listings unless specifically required by local rules.

WIPO’s free WIPO Sequence tool is the recommended software for preparing and validating ST.26-compliant sequence listings.

WIPO Sequence can be downloaded from the WIPO website at www.wipo.int/standards/en/sequence.

Yes, WIPO Sequence includes a validation function that checks your sequence listing for compliance with ST.26 requirements.