Checker Version 4.4.0 is a Microsoft Windows-based software application for checking biotechnology Sequence Listings for compliance with format and content rules. Checker Version 4.4.0 validates sequence listings generated in accordance with the US sequence rules, 37 CFR §§1.821 - 1.825, effective July 1, 1998, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.25, as well as Sequence Listings created with the “old rules”, those which became effective October 1, 1990.

Checker Version 4.4.0 replaces all previous versions. Checker allows public users to check Sequence Listings in Computer Readable Form (CRF) before submitting them to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Use of Checker prior to filing Sequence Listings has resulted in fewer Sequence Listing errors discovered by USPTO, therefore fewer Sequence Listings returned to Applicants for correction. Checker 4.4.0 features full compatibility with the Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP operating systems as well as all Office 2000/XP products. Also, a setup file named, ChkSetup.exe, assures fast and easy installation of the application.

Checker 4.4.0 Maintenance Enhancements:

Checker 4.4.0 will give an error message, for numeric identifier <213>, when organism has both "Artificial" and "Unknown" on the same line. The organism field should reflect only one of the following: Genus Species (scientific name), "Artificial", "Unknown".

NOTE: The USPTO no longer certifies Checker for the Windows environments of 95/98/ME. Testing and support of Checker on these older versions of the Windows operating system has been discontinued.

System Requirements:

The recommended minimum memory requirement for a workstation running Checker Version 4.4.0 is 64 MB RAM plus cache space, which may also expand depending on the input file size. Storage space for the output files will vary according to the size of the Sequence Listing being checked. The user should allow at least 50% additional space for Checker report files.

User Notes:

1. A macro for use in Microsoft Word which activates line numbering, to enable viewing line numbers in a Sequence Listing, is included with the Checker distribution files and is automatically copied to the Checker installation folder. The name of file is CrfMacros.doc. To access it, open MSWord, select the open file icon, navigate to the Checker installation folder, and select the macro. As an alternative, the user can download a text editor or viewer with line number display capabilities.



2. Checker does not verify the contents of comment fields, only that a required comment is present. Such comments include definitions of any "n"s or "Xaa"s that appear in the Sequence Listing and comments regarding selection of Artificial or Unknown for the organism. Thus, the user should pay careful attention to the content of these fields.

For help related to downloading the application or using Checker 4.4.0, or to report problems encountered running the program call toll-free to

The Patent Electronic Business Center at 866-217-9197

or contact them via Email at EBC@uspto.gov

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