Appendix B

Appendix B. Current-State Workflow Tables
Table B-1. Current-state sequence search workflow
Workflow
Step No.
Step Name
Primary Actor
Systems / Tools
Key Inputs
Core Action
Key Output
Main Burden / Risk
Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Confirm sequence listing is searchable
Examiner

PE2E-DAV, SLIC

Application number, sequence-listing status
Verify that a valid certified sequence listing is available for search Searchable listing confirmed or issue identified
Searching cannot proceed if listing is defective or uncertified Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Review case file
Examiner
PE2E-DAV, sequence listing
Claims, specification, sequence listing, annotations, related file information Review the application to understand the claimed subject matter and relevant sequence context Initial understanding of claim scope and sequence issues Case files may be lengthy, technical, and voluminous
Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Identify search-relevant sequence features
Examiner
PE2E-DAV, sequence listing
SEQ ID NOs, fragments, percent identity language, fusions, variants, wildcards, modified residues Determine what sequence embodiments and structural limitations must be searched Search targets identified
Requires manual interpretation of technical and legal claim language Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Select search path
Examiner
ABSS, STIC-EIC 1600 request form, NCBI BLAST where permitted Search targets, claim breadth, expected prior art context Decide whether to use ABSS self-service, a customized STIC search request, textual searching, or a combination Search path selected
Tool selection depends on examiner experience and search complexity Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Develop search strategy
Examiner
ABSS, STIC-EIC 1600 request form
Search targets, expected hit types, sequence type, database choices Determine query groupings, search type, search parameters, and databases Search instructions prepared
High manual burden; no automated search-strategy generation Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Submit search
Examiner or STIC-EIC 1600
ABSS, STIC request form, SWFT
Search instructions
Run self-service search or submit customized search request Search submitted and queued
Broad or complex cases may exceed normal limits or require special handling Current-State Sequence Search Workflow
Monitor search status
Examiner