Filing of large sequence listings
A revised decision and an accompanying notice explain how users should file large sequence listings, including on physical data carriers if necessary.
As part of the ongoing digital transformation of the European patent grant procedure, the President’s decision on the filing of sequence listings has been updated, with a view to clarifying the procedure and reassuring applicants. For some patent applications in the field of biotechnology, the associated sequence listings may be so large as to exceed the normal upload limits for filing electronically. Therefore, physical data carriers for such sequence listings, although rarely used, are still permitted despite the decommissioning of Online Filing (OLF) at the end of 2025 in favour of OLF2.0.
Accordingly, users may exceptionally continue to use accepted data carriers if the XML sequence listing, filed either as part of the application or for search purposes, exceeds the maximum upload size of the EPO’s filing tools, which is at present 50 MB. The President’s decision as well as the accompanying notice provide further details on the accepted data carriers, notably USB sticks, CD-ROMs and DVDs.
Further information
Related items
Fee Assistant helps applicants plan costs, while fee support scheme insights reveal €23 million saved by smaller applicants since 2024
Digitalisation of priority documents at the EPO is another step towards a fully digitalised patent granting process
European patents can now extend to 46 countries
EPO concludes Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry and launches Patent Prosecution Highway pilot
To further simplify processes and enhance user experience of our online services, users will be able to request electronic EPO priority documents via
Third edition highlights expanding reach within patent administration communities
Guidelines on EPC, PCT-EPO and Unitary Patent to be the most comprehensive ever
Patent Prosecution Highway with New Zealand and Brazil from 1 December 2024
Third edition reflects all changes in the 18 months since new system launched
A series of bite-sized videos and podcasts designed to give entrepreneurs and startups the tools to protect their technology
From 7 October undue renewal fees will be repaid to the payment source automatically
The PPH pilot programme between the EPO and Chile entered into force on 1 June 2024
New guide to help small and micro-entities benefit from fee reductions
Official Journal Notice explains fees increasing by less than inflation from 1 April
Stay up to date with the European Patent Office’s latest release of its online user services and legal changes.
EPO meets with NGO representatives to discuss how the patent system facilitates the sharing of vital knowledge.
European Patent Register releases data about first European patents with requests for unitary effect.
The Unitary Patent system enters into operation.
Further strengthening the PATLIB network, fostering new synergies in the innovation landscape.
Successful completion of the very first European patent administration certification cycle