Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between translating a patent for information and doing so for filing?

The difference between translating a patent for information and doing so for filing lies in the purpose, audience, and the level of detail required. When translating a patent for filing, the translation serves as the official record of your patent in the foreign nation. The audience for this document includes patent licensees, patent office employees, and legal professionals. This type of translation should be clear, concise, and minimize the use of technical jargon. The goal is to make the application understandable by someone with limited expertise in the field. On the other hand, information translations are used for patents that have already been filed, typically when they are needed as legal evidence. In this case, only the relevant portion of the application needs to be translated. Unlike filing translations, the translator can take liberties with language and format. The quality of translation is crucial in both cases. Poor translation can lead to major errors in content, production delays, increased costs for correcting erroneous translations, and a damaged ability to enforce international patents. Therefore, it's important to hire a professional translator with the necessary technical and legal expertise.