Frequently Asked Questions

How much do companies spend annually on patent translation according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)?

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), companies globally spend an estimated $1 billion annually on patent translation. This significant expenditure is due to the increasing number of worldwide patent applications and the need for these to be translated into various languages. In 2014 alone, over 76,000 U.S. patents and more than 100,000 European patents were translated into other languages. The cost of patent translation is substantial, requiring the expertise of a translator with specialized technical skills to accurately translate complex industry jargon and legal patent language. The cost can vary depending on the industry, with biotech and pharma companies typically spending the most due to their applications being translated into twice as many languages as those in other industries. The cost of translation can also fluctuate based on the average income of the country in question. For instance, it's more expensive to hire a translator in high cost-of-living countries such as Sweden and Japan, and more affordable in countries with a lower cost of living, such as Spain and China.