How to Cite a Patent in Vancouver

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

Template

Inventor(s), inventor(s); Assignee, assignee. Title. Country patent Number. Year Mon Day.

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

Zhang Y, Patel R, inventors; Medtronic Inc, assignee. Implantable neural stimulation device with adaptive feedback. United States patent US 11,234,567. 2025 Jan 14.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
List the inventors
Write each inventor's surname followed by initials. After the final inventor, write ', inventor;' (or ', inventors;' for multiple).
2
Add the assignee
Write the name of the patent holder or assignee organisation. Follow with ', assignee.'
3
Write the patent title
Write the title of the patent in sentence case. Do not use italics or quotation marks. End with a full stop.
4
Include the patent number
Write the country name followed by 'patent' and the full patent number (e.g., 'United States patent US 11,234,567').
5
Add the issue date
Write the date the patent was issued in Year Mon Day format. End with a full stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the word 'inventor(s)' and 'assignee' after the respective names.
Not including the full patent number with country prefix.
Forgetting to include the date of issue in Year Mon Day format.
Italicising the patent title — Vancouver never uses italics.
Confusing the filing date with the issue date — use the issue date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Use the date the patent was issued (granted), not the date the application was filed. The issue date is when the patent became publicly effective.

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

Use the same format but replace 'patent' with 'patent application' and use the application publication date. Include the application number instead of the patent number.

Do I include the assignee if it is the same as the inventor?

If the inventor and the assignee are the same individual or organisation, you may omit the assignee to avoid redundancy, though including it is not incorrect.

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. After the final inventor, write ', inventor;' (or ', inventors;' for multiple).

Add the assignee

Write the name of the patent holder or assignee organisation. Follow with ', assignee.'

Write the patent title

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

Include the patent number

Write the country name followed by 'patent' and the full patent number (e.g., 'United States patent US 11,234,567').

Add the issue date

Write the date the patent was issued in Year Mon Day format. End with a full stop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the word 'inventor(s)' and 'assignee' after the respective names.

Not including the full patent number with country prefix.

Forgetting to include the date of issue in Year Mon Day format.

Italicising the patent title — Vancouver never uses italics.

Confusing the filing date with the issue date — use the issue date.