How to List Patents on a Resume

Got a patent?

It’s the ultimate badge of innovation!

A patent on a resume tells recruiters you’re not just someone who follows the rules. You're someone who creates them. Whether your patent is changing industries or shaking up everyday life, it’s time to show employers you’re not just another candidate—you’re a game-changer.

But how do you highlight it to make sure it gets the attention it deserves? Let’s break down how to underline your patent and showcase the creativity and know-how behind it.

What is a patent?

A patent is a document that gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain number of years. It protects the design from being copied or used by someone else without permission. It’s different from a trademark because trademarks generally focus on specific words and phrases, while patents focus on the making and selling of products.

While patents secure the rights to innovations, trademarks protect the words, logos, and symbols that make a brand recognizable. Here you can read more about the differences between these two forms of intellectual property protection.

Listing a patent on your resume can significantly elevate your profile and show the hiring manager that you’re an innovative thinker who can turn ideas into tangible, protected inventions.

Ensure your patent gets the recognition it deserves. Start from scratch and create a compelling resume with our builder or check your existing one with Enhancv’s free resume checker.

You might be wondering how to list the patent on your resume—well, we’ll show you in the section below.

How do I list patents on my resume?

Whether your patent relates to a technical solution, product design, or a unique process, properly displaying it on your resume will set you apart from other candidates.

It’s crucial to provide the right details while keeping the focus on the impact and relevance of the patent to your career or the role you’re targeting.

Here's how you can list a patent effectively:

Add as many details as possible about the patent

The most important thing about citing your patent is giving enough information on your resume for the recruiter to check and confirm that it indeed belongs to you.

You don't need to go into too much detail, but make sure to list:

• The patent number
• What the patent is for
• When it was filed
• Where it was filed
• Name of the creator
• Type of invention
• Month and year you earned the patent

If you have a published patent available online, you can provide a link to it on your resume.

Here's an example:

Highlighting a patent for a water-powered engine shows your technical expertise, innovative thinking, and ability to lead a project from concept to completion. It also reflects your commitment to sustainable technology, making you a strong fit for roles focused on cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions.

Match your patent with a role in your experience section

Simply listing the patent may not be enough. It would be best to match it with a previous position and mention it in the description.

For example, suppose you have a patent for a new car engine, and you previously worked as an engineer at a car company. In that case, you can mention the patent in your experience section.

This will show the employer that you have experience in this field and are qualified for the position.

Here's an example:

Engineer at XYZ Car

Use an achievements section to highlight patents

An "Achievements" section is where your resume can truly shine and draw attention to your significant accomplishments beyond the typical job duties.

It’s the perfect place to underscore patents. It adds an extra layer of credibility, turning your resume into more than just a list of roles. It's a story of impact and invention. We advise you to let your achievements speak for themselves.

Here's what the "Achievements" section in our resume builder looks like:

Now that you’ve learned how to list your patents, let’s dive into how to format them for maximum impact on your resume.

How to choose the right format for a patent on your resume

When listing a patent on your resume, clarity, brevity, and readability take precedence over formal citation styles like APA, which are rarely applied in resumes. Instead, resumes often favor a Simplified Format that emphasizes easy readability and quick comprehension.

However, if the job ad specifies a required citation style, follow it closely. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common styles:

Formatting styles

Here are examples of commonly used formats for citing patents on a resume:

Can I put a pending patent on my resume

Yes, you absolutely can include a pending patent on your resume! In fact, listing a pending patent can be a great way to prove your innovation and commitment to seeing a project through. However, it's important to indicate to employers that the patent is in progress and that you’ve taken legal steps to protect your intellectual property.

Template for a pending patent

Here’s a simple template to help you list a pending patent on your resume:

Where to put a patent on a resume

If the patent is a central part of your professional identity or is closely tied to the role you're seeking, giving it a prominent placement on your resume is essential.

We’ve already mentioned that creating a dedicated “Achievements” section for your patent is a smart move, but it’s not the only option. There are other ways to feature your patent on your resume, depending on how it aligns with your job application.

Below, we’ll explore a few more approaches that you can consider.

Summary or objective statement

One option is to feature your patent in the resume summary or objective statement. To keep it engaging and clear, avoid using technical jargon or complex terms that could confuse the reader. Instead, focus on simple language to explain the core features and benefits of your invention.

Work experience section

If the patent is directly related to a job or role you held, include it as a bullet point under the relevant job description in your work experience section. This outlines how your work led to innovation within the company.

Awards section

The awards section of a resume is a great place to showcase any special recognitions or accomplishments that highlight your expertise and contributions. This resume part is ideal for listing patents if they’ve received particular recognition or if they stand out as a significant career achievement.

When listing patents on your resume, it's key to adjust their placement based on the format. Let’s dive into how to do that effectively.

How to tailor your patents to different resume types

There are three main resume formats, and it’s important to tailor how you present your patents to fit each one. Adjusting the placement ensures your patents align with the format and stand out in the best way possible.

• In a reverse chronological resume, the focus is on your career progression. Patents can be written under the work experience section, tied to the roles where they were developed.
• A functional resume underlines your skills and core competencies, so patents should be placed under the skill section. This format emphasizes what you can do rather than when or where you did it.
• With a hybrid resume, you can list patents in both the work experience and skills sections. You might also choose to create a separate section after the skills area if the patent is a major career highlight.

In conclusion

After reading this article, you shouldn’t doubt that having a patent on your resume looks impressive. It not only underscores your technical skills but also sets you apart as a forward-thinking professional. Whether directly related to the job or not, it adds significant value and can leave a lasting impact on employers.