In response to the increasing complexity of biotechnological innovations, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has updated its guidelines to align with international best practices for the disclosure of nucleotide and amino acid sequences in patent applications.

WIPO ST.26 Compliance Required

As stated on page 100 of IPOPHL’s 2022 Revised Biotech Guidelines, patent applications containing biological sequences must now submit sequence listings that are compliant with WIPO Standard ST.26. This international standard ensures uniform formatting of sequence data, facilitating efficient examination and interoperability between patent offices.

To assist applicants in meeting this requirement, IPOPHL recommends using the WIPO Sequence Suite, a free tool designed to generate and validate sequence listings that conform with the ST.26 XML standard. The tool is accessible via the WIPO website:

🔗 https://www.wipo.int/standards/en/sequence/index.html

IPOPHL-Specific Format and Filing Notes

While many jurisdictions, such as the United States and the European Union, require sequence listings to be submitted as machine-readable XML files, IPOPHL currently requires applicants to submit an amended sequence listing in PDF format, which must contain readable text of the sequences.

Importantly, IPOPHL differentiates the sequence listing from other parts of the application. Only the description, claims, and abstract are required to be paginated consecutively. The sequence listing is considered a separate document and must follow its own prescribed format in accordance with the guidelines.

Why It Matters

By requiring compliance with WIPO ST.26, IPOPHL ensures that Philippine biotech filings are compatible with international standards. This alignment supports Filipino inventors and institutions seeking protection abroad and promotes smoother prosecution for those entering the national phase of PCT applications.

For applicants planning to file internationally—especially in jurisdictions like the USPTO, which requires ST.26-compliant listings in XML format—it is advisable to generate the sequence listing using the WIPO Sequence tool from the outset to minimize rework and reduce delays.

Final Thoughts

The shift to ST.26 marks an important step in modernizing biotech patent filings in the Philippines. By adopting globally recognized standards while providing clear local filing instructions, IPOPHL is helping local innovators remain competitive and compliant on the international stage.