# Predatory Medical Journals in Patent Literature: A Hidden Threat

## TL;DR

This paper highlights how predatory medical journals may influence patents, risking flawed information and wasted resources.

## Contribution

The study reveals the extent to which patents cite papers from potential predatory journals, a previously underexplored area.

## Key findings

- Potential predatory medical journals received 4,251 citations from patents.
- Citations from predatory journals to patents may spread flawed information or cause wrongful rejections.

## Abstract

The negative impact of potential predatory journals has been widely discussed, primarily within academic contexts. However, their influence beyond academia remains underexplored. This study aims to address that gap.

The current editorial utilised a sample list of 8 potential predatory medical journals. We compiled a list of potential predatory medical journals using the discontinued titles list in Scopus and the current blocklists. Then their patent-to-paper citations have been examined to understand the dissemination of questionable medical publications outside of academia.

This indicates that potential predatory medical journals received 483,848 citations from scholarly works and 4,251 citations from patents.

When patents cite papers from predatory journals, flawed information may propagate, or potentially leading to wrongful patent rejections and wasted resources. This serves as a warning for the patent community to take action against potential predatory journals.