Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of patent translation and how does it vary by industry?

The cost of patent translation is a significant consideration for companies seeking international patent protection. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), companies globally spend approximately $1 billion annually on patent translation. The cost varies depending on several factors, including the industry, the country, and the quality of the translation. The industry plays a significant role in determining the cost of patent translation. Biotech and pharma companies, for instance, tend to spend more on patent translation as their applications are often translated into twice as many languages compared to other industries. The cost of living in the country where the translation is being done also impacts the cost. For example, hiring a translator in high cost-of-living countries like Sweden and Japan is more expensive compared to countries with a lower cost of living like Spain and China. Quality is another crucial factor that can affect the cost of patent translation. A high-quality translation requires a translator with specialized technical skills to accurately translate complex industry jargon and legal patent language. This can be more expensive, but the cost of correcting errors in a poor-quality translation can be even higher. In fact, incorrect patent translations can lead to production delays, increased costs for corrections, and a damaged ability to enforce international patents.