In the third installment of our Big Bang Blog series we clarify features of the WIPO sequence and how you can use the free WIPO Sequence desktop tool to help generate your listings. 

 

The free WIPO Sequence desktop tool allows applicants to author and validate sequence information for generating ST.26-compliant sequence listings. Although it is not mandatory to use WIPO Sequence, it is recommended to ensure ST.26-compliance.

WIPO Sequence Features: 

1. Applicants can create and edit an XML sequence listing in the WIPO Sequence desktop tool. Instead of a web application, WIPO Sequence can function without internet connection.

2. Applicants can import sequence data or enter it directly into WIPO Sequence. Data from FASTA files, ST.25 sequence listings, ST.26 sequence listings, and ST.26 project files may be imported. Applicants can even select which sequences to import from a file.

3. Although an ST.25 sequence listing can be imported, it cannot be automatically converted into an ST.26 sequence listing because certain data elements required in ST.26 sequence listings are not present in ST.25 sequence listings. WIPO Sequence performs some of the necessary conversions and displays each change in an Import Report. Reference Annex VI and Annex VII of WIPO Standard ST.26 for guidance on converting an ST.25 sequence listing to an ST.26 sequence listing without adding subject matter.

4. WIPO Sequence provides a pre-defined list of organisms, updated annually, and derived from two industry databases. Applicants can add custom organisms and store them on their local machine.

5. Applicant names and invention titles may be included in multiple languages. Other free text in the sequence listing may be included in up to two languages. National Offices could require translations to be provided formally on national phase entry.

6. Before generating an XML sequence listing, an applicant must validate it in WIPO Sequence. This validation is similar to the WIPO Sequence Validator used by IP Offices. Minor differences in error/warning responses gives each Office flexibility in handling certain sequence listing errors.

Keep an eye out for updated versions of WIPO Sequence at WIPO Sequence Suite as issues are addressed. It is important to download the latest version of WIPO Sequence and prepare the XML sequence listing in advance of filing should there be any issues. Issues may be reported to WIPO at wiposequence.support@wipo.int. ST.26-compliant and non-compliant test data sets are also provided on the WIPO Sequence Suite webpage.