Guidance

Changes for patent applications with biological sequence listings

From 1 July 2022, WIPO Standard ST.26 specifies new requirements for biological sequence listings included in patent applications.

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Details

From 1 July 2022 a new standard for sequence listings in patent applications came into effect. This change was adopted by all WIPO contracting states. The change applies to all new patent applications (with the exception of some divisional applications) filed here at the IPO. This new standard also applies to all new international patent applications filed under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty). The change does not apply to new divisional patent applications where the parent application was filed before 1 July 2022.

The new standard is WIPO ST.26. The standard defines an XML file format which applies to patent applications which include sequence listings of:

  • any nucleic acid sequences (DNA, RNA) having ten or more fully defined residues and

  • any peptide sequences (including cyclic peptides) having four or more fully defined residues

Updates to this page

Published 1 November 2021
Last updated 1 July 2022 + show all updates
  1. WIPO Standard ST26 which was adopted globally on 1 July 2022 specifies new requirements for biological sequence listings included in patent applications added.

  2. Change of practice on divisional applications.

  3. First published.

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