2421.01 Definition of "Sequence Listing" and "CRF" [R-07.2015]
The sequence rules (37 CFR 1.821 -1.825 ) require the use of standard symbols and a standard format for submitting sequence data in most patent applications that disclose nucleic acid or amino acid sequences. For purposes of the sequence rules and the discussion in MPEP Chapter 2400, the phrase "disclose(d) (or disclosure(s) of) nucleic acid or amino acid sequences" is intended to refer to those nucleic acid or amino acid sequences that are described in the patent application by enumeration of their residues and that meet the length thresholds of 37 CFR 1.821(a).
37 CFR 1.821(c) requires that applications containing disclosures of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences that fall within the definitions of 37 CFR 1.821(a) contain, as a separate part, a disclosure of the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, and associated information, using the format and symbols that are set forth in 37 CFR 1.822 and 37 CFR 1.823. This separate part of the disclosure is referred to as the "Sequence Listing" (hereinafter alternatively referred to as "sequence listing"). The sequence listing required pursuant to 37 CFR 1.821(c) is the official copy of the sequence listing, and may be submitted as an ASCII text file via EFS-Web, on compact disc, as a PDF submitted via EFS-Web, or on paper. See MPEP § 2422.03 for additional information.
37 CFR 1.821(e) requires that a copy of the sequence listing referred to in 37 CFR 1.821(c) must also be submitted in computer readable form (CRF) as an ASCII text file in accordance with the requirements of 37 CFR 1.824 (hereinafter "CRF of the sequence listing" or "CRF"). The computer readable form may be submitted on the electronic media permitted by 37 CFR 1.824, or may be submitted as an ASCII text file via EFS-Web. See MPEP § 2422.04 for additional information.