Evidence & documents
Why do many citations still need evidence of a contribution’s major significance?
Updated: October 29, 2026
Citation counts can provide context, but there is no universal number that guarantees acceptance. Explain the major significance of an original contribution: what changed, who adopted it, how it was used and what verifiable impact resulted. Authors, patent holders and team members should also identify their own contribution. Connect numerical indicators with specific adoption, impact and supporting records.
Next step
Organize contribution and impact evidence.
Organize contribution and impact evidence →Official policy resources
Use the official rules applicable at filing and the notices for your individual case.