New biological sequence listings requirements for patent applications

From 1 July 2022 a new global standard will apply to all new patent applications containing biological sequence listings. The new standard, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ST.26, applies to biological sequences with ten or more defined nucleotides or with four or more defined amino acids. This change is being adopted by all WIPO contracting states including the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Details of WIPO ST.26 are available. 

New software, WIPO Sequence, is available for applicants to compile sequence listings. It is available to download.

Details of the IPO’s new requirements and procedures for Changes for patent applications with biological sequence listings are available.

If you currently file, or plan to file, this type of patent at the IPO, we’d value your feedback via this survey.