How to Cite a Patent

When citing patents in a text (article, research paper, etc.), there are different formats used, depending on the style of citation used. This page lists some of the most common styles used when citing a patent and gives examples of the citations.

Using the patent shown below as an example, here are citations using various citation manual styles:

The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition

iSource Chicago - Wesley Dyson

Chicago Manual of Style Citation:

Williams, Dave. 2005. Screw less clip mounted computer drive. U.S. Patent 6,885,550, filed August 24, 2000, and issued April 26, 2005.

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 7th Edition

iSource MLA - Wesley Dyson

MLA Citation:

Williams, Dave. "Screw less clip mounted computer drive." Patent 6,885,550. 26 April 2005.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 6th Edition

iSource APA - Wesley Dyson

APA Citation:

Williams, D. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,885,550. Washington, DC: U.S.

The ACS Style Guide: Effective Communication of Scientific Information (ACS Style Guide)

ACS Citation:

Williams, D. U.S. Patent 6,885,550, 2005.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IEEE Citation:

D. Williams,"Screw Less Clip Mounted Computer Drive." U.S. Patent 6,885,550, issued April 26, 2005.

The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, 19th Edition Bluebook Citation:

U.S. Patent No. 6,885,550 (issued Apr. 26, 2005).

Scientific Style And Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, And Publishers (CSE, Scientific Style and Format)

CSE Citation:

Williams D, inventor; 2005 Apr. 26. Screw less clip mounted computer drive. United States patent US 6,885,550.