How to Cite a Patent in PLOS (current)
Learn how to cite a patent or intellectual property filing in PLOS format (current). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
PLOS Reference List Format
Here is the standard PLOS format for citing a patent in your reference list:
PLOS Example for a Patent
A complete PLOS reference for a patent, formatted by the official PLOS CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
1. Lindqvist E. Automated bibliographic reference parser. US 10,482,119 B2, 2019. Available: https://patents.example.org/US10482119
Matching in-text citation: [1]
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your patent.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the PLOS (current) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match PLOS requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model.
CSL style record: plos.csl
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a patent in PLOS?
- To cite a patent in PLOS (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the PLOS format for a patent citation?
- The PLOS format for a patent is: 1. Lindqvist E. Automated bibliographic reference parser. US 10,482,119 B2, 2019. Available: https://patents.example.org/US10482119
- What does the in-text citation look like for a patent in PLOS?
- In PLOS, the in-text citation for the example above is [1]
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