PCT Receiving Office Guidelines

Chapter IX: Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Listing

Checking for Compliance with WIPO Standard ST.26 and Other Defects

223. The receiving Office should only confirm the presence of an XML file appearing to be a sequence listing and need not examine for compliance with WIPO Standard ST.26 or the Rules and the Administrative Instructions since that check is made by the International Searching Authority (Rule 13ter). However, if the Office becomes aware of a defect, for example, because its online filing processes or other Office procedures check the sequence listing file using the validation tool provided by the International Bureau, the Office may notify the applicant accordingly (Form PCT/RO/132).

223A. If the receiving Office notices any discrepancy between the general information part of the sequence listing and the corresponding information in the request or the application body, the receiving Office may draw the fact to the applicant's attention (Form PCT/RO/132). The applicant may correct the discrepancy within the time limit provided for in Rule 26.2 but is not obliged to do so. The receiving Office processes the international application on the basis of the indications made in the request.

223B. Any correction of sequence listing under Rule 26 must be furnished as a complete sequence listing with an accompanying letter explaining the changes. The receiving Office is not required to check whether the correction is acceptable and simply makes the appropriate markings in the file name or metadata of the ST.26 XML file. If the correction under Rule 26 is furnished on physical data carrier(s), the receiving Office labels the carrier(s) "Sequence Listing - Correction", together with the international application number. The receiving Office forwards the corrected sequence listing with the accompanying letter to the International Searching Authority and the International Bureau.

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