🔍 New EPO Guidelines 2025 – What You Need to Know, Part 6 

📌 Part 6: Sequence Listings of International Applications  

What changed:  

The Guidelines include new sections clarifying the requirements for incorporating a sequence listing to international applications disclosing one or more nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, the WIPO standard to comply with, and the calculation of page fee where a sequence listing is included. 

🔗 Ref: GL A‑IV, 3 

For applications filed on or after 1 July 2022 which contain a sequence listing, the EPO as receiving Office not only accepts sequence listings with language-dependent free text in English or in the same language as used in the international application (French or German), but also permits language-dependent free text to be filed in both English and any other language within a single sequence listing. 

🔗 Ref: GL A-VII, 1.2.4 

Among other reasons (e.g. lack of unity of invention), a missing sequence listing may also result in the EPO as ISA to not be able to issue the International Search Report and Written Opinion, or the claimed subject matter may only be covered in part. 

🔗 Ref: GL B‑VIII, 1 

Where applicable, the EPO as SISA will only start the supplementary international search after receiving a copy of the compliant sequence listing. If not received, the EPO will invite the applicant to furnish the sequence listing and to pay a late furnishing fee. 

🔗 Ref: GL B‑XII, 2 

💡 Why it matters:  

While being mostly clarifying updates, the new and updated sections offer an improved overview of the format and procedural requirements of the sequence listings of international applications. 

✅ What to watch out for or do differently:  

✔ Make sure to timely furnish sequence listings to international applications disclosing one or more nucleotide and/or amino acid sequences, as well as to comply with the format requirements as now specified in the Guidelines.