The Working Group on Sequence Listings of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which is a group of experts responsible for the revision of WIPO Standard ST.26, is currently considering the views of patent applicants that can influence the prescribed minimum sequence length in the sequence listing. Namely, Standard WIPO ST.26 prescribes the mandatory length of input of a sequence having ten or more specifically defined nucleotides or four or more specifically defined amino acids. Sequences with fewer than this number of specifically defined nucleotides and/ or amino acids are not permitted in the listing (see WIPO Standard ST.26, page 3.26.4 under point 3(k) and page 3.26.5 under points 7 and 8). The standard can be approached at the page.
In order to gather information and opinions on the importance of changing the sequence length limit, the WIPO Standard ST.26 Revision Working Group has prepared a questionnaire entitled “WIPO Standard ST. 26 survey regarding the minimum length requirement”. The questionnaire aims to gather views from the users of the WIPO ST. 26 standard on whether it is necessary to allow the inclusion of sequence with a smaller number of specifically defined nucleotides and/or amino acids in the sequence list in comparison to the currently permitted number. The next steps will be based on the analysis of this feedback information.
The Working Group for the revision of Standard WIPO ST.26 invites all interested parties wishing so, to complete this survey before March 31, 2025. The questionnaire can be accessed at the page.