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How to Cite a Patent in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite a patent or intellectual property filing in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a patent in your bibliography:

Inventor Last Name, First Name. "Title of Patent." U.S. Patent XXXXXXX, filed Month Day, Year, and issued Month Day, Year.

Chicago In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Inventor Year)

Narrative

Inventor (Year) invented...

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

  • Include the inventor, title, patent number, and dates filed and issued.
  • Identify the patent office and country.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your patent.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

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Cite a Patent in Other Styles

Patent in APAPatent in MLAPatent in HarvardPatent in VancouverPatent in IEEEPatent in AMAPatent in TurabianPatent in CSEPatent in BibTeXPatent in NaturePatent in ACSPatent in OSCOLAPatent in BluebookPatent in AGLCPatent in ASAPatent in APSAPatent in AAAPatent in NLMPatent in ACMPatent in APSPatent in AIPPatent in CellPatent in SciencePatent in PLOSPatent in BMJPatent in LancetPatent in JAMAPatent in Elsevier HarvardPatent in Springer

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

Website in ChicagoBook in ChicagoJournal Article in ChicagoYouTube Video in ChicagoPodcast in ChicagoNewspaper Article in ChicagoPDF in ChicagoInterview in ChicagoSocial Media Post in ChicagoGovernment Document in ChicagoDissertation or Thesis in ChicagoConference Paper in ChicagoLecture or PowerPoint in ChicagoImage or Photograph in ChicagoMovie or Film in ChicagoTV Show in ChicagoSong or Music in ChicagoCourt Case in ChicagoEncyclopedia Entry in ChicagoDictionary Entry in ChicagoDataset in ChicagoSoftware or App in ChicagoPress Release in ChicagoReport in Chicago

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