Patent: how to cite in IEEE Style?

Create a spot-on reference in IEEE

Select a source type:

Book Website Journal article Video (online)

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General rules

IEEE Style requires using two different templates for referencing patents: depending on whether you accessed the patent in its print or online form. Nevertheless, in both cases, the inventors of the device or technology should be credited in the reference, and not the patent holders.

Print patent reference template:

Inventor(s), “Patent title,” Country Patent patent number, date of publication.

For the principles of giving authors’ names in IEEE Style, see this article.

Online patent reference template:

Patent Title, by Inventor(s). (Date of publication). Country Patent patent number. Accessed: date. [Online]. Available: URL

N.B. The online service Grafiati supports both patent reference formats and generates a correct reference in IEEE Style automatically based on your input.

Examples of references

K. P. Groth et al., “Combined engine braking and positive power engine lost motion valve actuation system,” U.S. Patent US 2020/0141335 A1, May 7, 2020.

Combined engine braking and positive power engine lost motion valve actuation system, by K. P. Groth et al. (May 7, 2020). U.S. Patent US 2020/0141335 A1. Accessed: Feb. 21, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20200141335A1