How to Cite a Patent in Bluebook (21st Edition)

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a patent in Bluebook (21st Edition):

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Write the patent title

   Lead with the patent title. In law review format, it appears in italics or small capitals depending on the context.

2. 2

   Add the patent number

   Write 'U.S. Patent No.' followed by the full patent number with comma separators (e.g., 11,345,678). For non-U.S. patents, use the appropriate country designation.

3. 3

   Include the filing date

   In parentheses, write 'filed' followed by the date using Bluebook month abbreviations (e.g., Mar. 10, 2020). End with a period.

4. 4

   Add the issue date if relevant

   If the issue date is important, include it: '(filed Mar. 10, 2020) (issued June 15, 2022).' Use separate parentheticals.

5. 5

   Include a URL if accessed online

   Add the URL to the patent record. Consider adding a 'last visited' parenthetical.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Omitting the patent title — Bluebook patent citations lead with the title of the invention.
• Not using Bluebook month abbreviations (e.g., 'Mar.' not 'March').
• Omitting the filing date from the parenthetical.
• Forgetting the comma between the patent title and 'U.S. Patent No.'
• Not including the full patent number with commas as digit separators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information You Will Need

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

• Inventor
• Title
• Patent Number
• Country
• Filing Date
• Issue Date