Citation

1. The written reference to legal authorities, precedents, reported cases, etc., in briefs or other legal documents. 2. A writ or order issued by a court commanding the person named therein to appear at the time and place named.

A reference to legal authority, such as cases or statutes.

A reference to a document considered relevant to the examination of a patent application. Citations by the Examiner appear on the front page of a U.S. patent. Citations by the applicant may appear in the specification and/or in an Information Disclosure Statement. MPEP 609.