How to Cite a Patent in IEEE

This guide explains how to format a patent citation in IEEE. 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 IEEE:

Template

[1] A. A. Inventor, "Title of patent," U.S. Patent X XXX XXX, Month Day, Year.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

[1]

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

[1] L. K. Johnson, "System and method for adaptive neural network training," U.S. Patent 11 345 678, Jul. 12, 2022.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Assign a reference number
Use the next sequential number in square brackets.
2
List the inventor(s)
Write inventors as initials followed by surname (e.g., L. K. Johnson). Use 'and' before the last inventor.
3
Write the patent title
Place the title in double quotation marks using sentence case.
4
Include the patent number
Write the country abbreviation followed by 'Patent' and the patent number with spaces (e.g., U.S. Patent 11 345 678).
5
Add the issue date
Include the abbreviated month, day, and year the patent was granted (e.g., Jul. 12, 2022).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the patent title in quotation marks.
Omitting the patent number.
Forgetting to include the date the patent was issued.
Using the filing date instead of the issue (grant) date.
Not abbreviating the month (IEEE uses three-letter abbreviations: Jan., Feb., Mar., etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the filing date or the issue date for an IEEE patent citation?

Use the issue (grant) date. The filing date is when the application was submitted; IEEE references the date the patent was officially granted.

How do I cite a patent from outside the United States?

Replace 'U.S. Patent' with the appropriate country and patent type, such as 'European Patent' or 'U.K. Patent.' Follow the same format.

How do I cite a patent application that has not been granted?

Use the same format but replace 'Patent' with 'Patent Application' and use the application number and filing date.

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

Assign a reference number

Use the next sequential number in square brackets.

List the inventor(s)

Write inventors as initials followed by surname (e.g., L. K. Johnson). Use 'and' before the last inventor.

Write the patent title

Place the title in double quotation marks using sentence case.

Include the patent number

Write the country abbreviation followed by 'Patent' and the patent number with spaces (e.g., U.S. Patent 11 345 678).

Add the issue date

Include the abbreviated month, day, and year the patent was granted (e.g., Jul. 12, 2022).