(100)       Applicant Aid for Biotechnology Computer Readable Form
                      (CRF) Sequence Listings Submissions
   
  The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has developed a computer program,
called Checker, that will aid applicants in identifying and correcting
errors prior to making submissions for compliance with the Requirements
for Patent Applications Containing Nucleotide Sequence and/or Amino Acid
Sequence Disclosures (sequence rules: 37 CFR 1.821 through 1.825). (Final
rules were published in the Federal Register (55 FR 18230) on May 1, 1990,
and in the PTO Official Gazette (1114 Off.Gaz.PatOffice 29) on May 15,
1990.)
   Checker is a DOS-based software program that is intended to assist
users in determining whether errors may be present in the sequence
listings, and is not intended to guarantee that the submission is
error-free.
   The most current version of the software will be available via computer
downloading (details below). Copies on diskette are also available.
Updated software versions will not be automatically mailed out; any
updates will be announced in the PTO Official Gazette.
   The software can be accessed/requested in the following locations:
   1)Dial-up access to the Patent and Trademark Office Bulletin Board
System. Phone number: 703-305-8950
Cost: Free-of-charge
   2) Dial-up access through the Internet. FTP site: ftp.uspto.gov Login
as "anonymous". Software is in directory /pub/checker
Cost: Free-of-charge
   3) For diskette copies, telephone requests to 703-308-0322.
Cost: $25.00
   
   For Further Information Contact: Meredith Beckhardt at 703-308-4212.

February 14, 1995                                         STEPHEN G. KUNIN
                                         Deputy Assistant Commissioner for
                                                Patent Policy and Projects

                                 [1172 OG 33]