MPEP Section 2421.01, Applications Affected

Executive summary:

This document contains Section 2421.01 ("Applications Affected") of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (the "M.P.E.P."), Eighth Edition, Eighth Revision (July 2010). This page was last updated in January 2011. You may return to the section index to find a particular section. Alternatively, you may search the MPEP using the search box that appears on the left side of every page of BitLaw--you may restrict your search to the MPEP on the search results page.

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2421.01 Applications Affected

The sequence rules require the use of standard symbols and a standard format for sequence data in most sequence-type patent applications. They further require the submission of that data in computer readable form. Compliance is required for most disclosures of sequence data in new applications filed on or after October 1, 1990. The revised sequence rules apply to most new applications filed on or after July 1, 1998. See the final rule publications as cited in MPEP § 2420 for more detailed applicability information.

The Office encourages voluntary compliance for applications not subject to the rules, but all aspects of the rules must be complied with before data will be entered into the database. This includes submission of all statements required by the rules. In exceptional circumstances, it should be noted that the Office may waive the rules via a 37 CFR 1.183 petition.