How to Cite a Patent in MLA 9th Edition

This guide explains how to format a patent citation in MLA 9th 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 MLA 9th Edition:

Template

Inventor(s). "Title of Patent." Patent Number. Date Issued. URL.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(Johnson)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your Works Cited:

Works Cited entry

Johnson, Lisa K. "System and Method for Adaptive Neural Network Training." U.S. Patent 11,345,678. 15 June 2022. patents.google.com/patent/US11345678B2.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the inventor(s)
List the inventor(s) using standard MLA name formatting. Invert the first author's name.
2
Write the patent title
Place the title of the patent in quotation marks. Use title case.
3
Add the patent number
Include the full patent number with the country designation (e.g., U.S. Patent 11,345,678).
4
Add the issue date
Include the date the patent was issued in Day Month Year format.
5
Include the URL
Provide the URL to the patent record without the "https://" protocol.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Italicizing the patent title instead of using quotation marks.
Not including the full patent number with country prefix.
Using the filing date instead of the issue date.
Omitting the URL for patent databases.
Listing the assignee company instead of the inventor(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the filing date or the issue date for a patent in MLA?

Use the issue (grant) date. This is the date the patent was officially granted, not when the application was submitted.

How do I cite an international patent?

Use the same format but include the country or organization prefix with the patent number (e.g., EP 1234567 for European Patent Office, WO 2022/123456 for WIPO).

What if there are multiple inventors?

List the first inventor with an inverted name, then additional inventors in normal order separated by commas. Use "et al." for four or more inventors.

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

Identify the inventor(s)

List the inventor(s) using standard MLA name formatting. Invert the first author's name.

Write the patent title

Place the title of the patent in quotation marks. Use title case.

Add the patent number

Include the full patent number with the country designation (e.g., U.S. Patent 11,345,678).

Add the issue date

Include the date the patent was issued in Day Month Year format.

Include the URL

Provide the URL to the patent record without the "https://" protocol.