Structure of a Sequence Listing in XML (WIPO ST.26 format)

As stated in the Standard, a sequence listing comprises two portions: 1) the general information part and 2) the sequence data part. Examples of a valid sequence listing file can be downloaded from the WIPO website here.

Specific requirements of the XML file are as follows:

1.      The first line must contain "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>"

2.      The second line must include contain "<!DOCTYPE ST26SequenceListing PUBLIC "-//WIPO//DTD Sequence Listing 1.3//EN""ST26SequenceListing_V1_3.dtd">.

3.      The entire sequence listing must be in a single file.

4.      The file must be encoded in Unicode UTF-8.

Taking a closer look at the general information element, the following attributes/elements are required.

·        dtdVersion

·        nonEnglishFreeTextLanguageCode

·        ApplicationIdentification (mandatory if the application has been filed and received an application number)

·        IPOfficeCode

·        ApplicationNumberText

·        FilingDate (mandatory if the application has been filed and received an application number)

·        ApplicantFileReference (optional if an application number has been included)

·        EarliestPriorityApplicationIdentification

·        ApplicantName

·        ApplicantNameLatin (mandatory if applicant name includes non-Latin characters)

·        InventionTitle (mandatory in the language of filing)

·        SequenceTotalQuantity

It is important to note that certain fields must be indicated in the element as they are referred to in the language of the filing, as well as a transition or transliteration if there are non-Latin characters.  

Fortunately, these items can be easily entered into WIPO sequence. The sequence data portion will be broken down next post and is slightly more complicated.

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