Citing Patents in Different Styles
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:
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 Citation
Williams, Dave. "Screw less clip mounted computer drive." Patent 6,885,550. 26 April 2005.
ACS Citation
Williams, D. U.S. Patent 6,885,550, 2005.
APA Citation
Williams, D. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,885,550. Washington, DC: U.S.
Bluebook Citation
U.S. Patent No. 6,885,550 (issued Apr. 26, 2005).
IEEE Citation
D. Williams,"Screw Less Clip Mounted Computer Drive." U.S. Patent 6,885,550, issued April 26, 2005.
CSE Citation
Williams D, inventor; 2005 Apr. 26. Screw less clip mounted computer drive. United States patent US 6,885,550.
AMA Citation
Williams, D, inventor; Axxion Group Corporation, assignee. US patent 6,885,550. April 26, 2005.
NLM Citation
Williams, D, inventor; Axxion Group Corporation, assignee. Screw less clip mounted computer drive. United State patent US 6,885,550. 2005 Apr 26.