Features of WIPO Sequence | Harness IP

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

Characteristics of the WIPO sequence:

1. Applicants can create and edit an XML sequence listing in the WIPO Sequence Desktop Tool. Instead of a web application, WIPO Sequence can also work without an 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 can be imported. Applicants can even choose which sequences to import from a file.
3. Although an ST.25 sequence listing can be imported, it cannot be automatically converted to 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. Refer to 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 a subject.
4. The WIPO sequence provides a predefined list of organisms that is updated annually and derived from two industry databases. Applicants can add custom organisms and save them to their local computer.
5. Applicant names and invention titles can be in multiple languages. Other free text in the sequence listing can be in up to two languages. National offices could require translations to be formally submitted upon entry into the national phase.
6. Before generating an XML sequence listing, an applicant must validate it in the WIPO sequence. This validation is similar to the WIPO Sequence Validator used by IP Offices. Slight differences in error/warning responses give each office flexibility in handling specific sequence listing errors.

Keep an eye out for updated versions of the WIPO Sequence in the WIPO Sequence Suite as issues are fixed. It is important to download the latest version of the WIPO sequence and prepare the XML sequence listing before filing in case there are any problems. Problems can be reported to WIPO at [email protected] ST.26 compliant and non-compliant test data sets are also provided on the WIPO Sequence Suite website.