How to Cite a Patent in AMA 11th Edition

This guide explains how to format a patent citation in AMA 11th Edition. Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a patent in AMA 11th Edition:

Template

Inventor(s). Title. US patent Number. Month Day, Year.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

superscript 1

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

Chen L, Nakamura T. Biodegradable stent with drug-eluting polymer coating. US patent 11,876,543. January 14, 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
List the inventors
Write each inventor's surname followed by initials. Separate multiple inventors with commas.
2
Write the patent title
Write the title in sentence case. Do not italicise or use quotation marks. End with a full stop.
3
Add the patent number
Write 'US patent' (or the relevant country designation) followed by the full patent number. End with a full stop.
4
Include the issue date
Write the date the patent was issued in Month Day, Year format (e.g., January 14, 2025). End with a full stop.
5
Add a URL if applicable
If the patent was accessed online (e.g., via Google Patents or USPTO), you may include the URL after the date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not writing 'US patent' (or equivalent country prefix) before the patent number.
Using the filing date instead of the issue (grant) date.
Italicising the patent title (AMA does not italicise patent titles).
Omitting commas in patent numbers with more than six digits.
Forgetting to include the full date in Month Day, Year format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date do I use for a patent in AMA — the filing date or the issue date?

Use the issue (grant) date, which is when the patent was officially granted. The filing date is not used in the reference.

How do I cite a patent application in AMA?

Replace 'US patent' with 'US patent application' and use the publication number and publication date of the application.

Does AMA italicise patent titles?

No. AMA does not italicise patent titles. Write the title in sentence case without any special formatting.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your patent:

Inventor
Title
Patent Number
Country
Filing Date
Issue Date

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Step-by-Step Guide

List the inventors

Write each inventor's surname followed by initials. Separate multiple inventors with commas.

Write the patent title

Write the title in sentence case. Do not italicise or use quotation marks. End with a full stop.

Add the patent number

Write 'US patent' (or the relevant country designation) followed by the full patent number. End with a full stop.

Include the issue date

Write the date the patent was issued in Month Day, Year format (e.g., January 14, 2025). End with a full stop.

Add a URL if applicable

If the patent was accessed online (e.g., via Google Patents or USPTO), you may include the URL after the date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not writing 'US patent' (or equivalent country prefix) before the patent number.

Using the filing date instead of the issue (grant) date.

Italicising the patent title (AMA does not italicise patent titles).

Omitting commas in patent numbers with more than six digits.

Forgetting to include the full date in Month Day, Year format.