Patent Translation Guidelines | Wordpar International

 

Measures to Prevent Risks in Patent Translation

Patent translation is a critical step in securing intellectual property protection across multiple jurisdictions. A misstep in translation can lead to delays, added expenses, or even outright rejection of a patent application. To avoid such risks, inventors must adhere to specific guidelines. Below are some essential measures to ensure accurate and reliable patent translations.

1. Hire Professionals

The correct translation of patents requires expertise. It is vital to hire a professional translator who not only understands the language but also has a solid grasp of patent laws. These specialists should be adept linguists with experience in the specific technical terminology and legal nuances of patents. Additionally, they must interpret the invention accurately, keeping in mind the perspective of a person with domain-specific knowledge, the inventor's intentions, and the patent examiner's expectations.

Engaging more than one expert in the translation process can also improve accuracy. A second translator can review or verify the work of the first, ensuring that the translation is error-free and aligns with the technical requirements.

2. Plan Your Investments Carefully

Cutting corners on patent translation services by opting for cheaper firms may backfire. While cost-saving is understandable, compromising on quality could lead to errors that might escalate costs in the long run or, worse, result in the rejection of the entire application. Investing in certified translation services ensures the necessary qualification, accuracy, and expertise needed for a successful patent filing.

3. Ensure Terminological Equivalence

Achieving precision in technical translation requires more than fluency in a language. The translator must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter covered in the patent. Expertise in terminological equivalence—the ability to translate technical terms correctly between languages—is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings that could jeopardize the patent's validity.

4. Work with Certified Translators

While certification may not always be legally required, it is highly advisable to use certified translators for patent applications. Certified translators provide an extra level of assurance by declaring in good faith that the translation is accurate and true to the original document. This certification builds trust and credibility, making it more likely that the translation will be accepted by courts, government agencies, and patent offices.

5. Engage Professional Reviewers

The translation process should not end with the translator. Having another expert—ideally a second professional translator—review the work can greatly enhance the quality and correctness of the document. ISO and DIN standards, such as ISO 17100, emphasize the importance of a second review, particularly for patent translations. For example, WordPar, an ISO 17100-certified translation service, ensures that patent translations undergo review by a second linguist to meet the highest standards of accuracy.

6. Read Before You Sign

Before finalizing and signing off on a translated patent application, inventors should thoroughly review the document to confirm its accuracy and reliability. If the inventor is not fluent in the target language, seeking assistance from an experienced patent translator is advisable to ensure the application is ready for submission.

By following these guidelines, inventors can mitigate the risks associated with patent translations and improve their chances of securing patent protection in multiple countries.

For more in-depth information and resources on patent translation, visit WordPar's Patent Translation Guidelines.