How should documents retrieved from online databases outside the Internet be cited?
When citing documents retrieved from online databases outside the Internet, such as commercial databases, specific information should be included to ensure the document can be identified and retrieved. The MPEP provides examples of how to cite such documents:
“Example 1: SU 1511467 A (BRYAN MECH) 1989-09-30 (abstract) World Patents Index [database online]. Derwent Publications, Ltd. [retrieved on 1998-02-24]. Retrieved from: Questel. DW9016, Accession No. 90-121923.”
Key elements to include in the citation are:
- Document identification (e.g., patent number, author, title)
- Date of the document
- Database name and indication that it’s online
- Database provider
- Retrieval date
- Source of retrieval (e.g., database service)
- Accession number or other unique identifier
For more examples and detailed information on citing documents from online databases, refer to MPEP § 707.05(e), section IV. ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS.
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