Why Automation Will Not Eliminate Human Patent Translators

Despite the fact that we’re living in an era of automation, the role of a human patent translator has never been more important. Translations, patent translations, in particular, continue to be a field where intelligent action and accuracy are the most important factors. The scope of patent protection may get impacted even by one misplaced letter.

Judiciary systems overseeing patent applications are extremely strict about accurate translations. However, due to economic globalization, the demand for accurate patent translations keeps increasing every year. That’s why many firms are attempting to substitute human translators with automated solutions.

Unfortunately, providing competent translations is still a task that’s too complicated for machines. Only skilled and meticulous human translators with impeccable commands over both ‘source’ and ‘target’ languages can provide error-free patent translations. Here are some other reasons why automation won’t impact professional patent translators.

Specialized Tasks

Just like legal experts, a professional patent translator offers specialized services. Patent applications are by far the most difficult papers to translate because these documents usually contain unique ideas and thoughts that no one in the world has ever seen or heard before.

  • All patent descriptions feature highly complex texts with various technical terms.
  • Translation experts have to amass a lot of knowledge about the subject in hand to understand how the claimed invention functions clearly.
  • In many cases, novel inventions need to be explained using new neologisms and terminologies. The professionals performing the translations need to clearly understand these new concepts and terms in the source language. Then, they have to translate these new concepts and neologisms into the target languages in a way that doesn’t misrepresent the original invention.

The very nature of patent application translations makes them anti-automation. Machine learning software tools can perform various extraordinary functions. However, these tools can’t recognize completely new neologisms or newly invented technical terms. That’s why patent applicants will continue seeking the specialized expertise that professional translators offer.

Time-Efficiency 

The role of patent translators is very complex. But, their main goal is to always provide translations that back their clients’ claims of novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. Conveying complex concepts in a prompt and simplistic manner while keeping quality standards high is very difficult.

Plus, top patent translators always work under tight schedules and always meet filing deadlines. Now, imagine you’re using translation software. A few days before the filing deadline, you realize that the software is not being able to convey your complex concepts in a simplistic manner. It could lead to unnecessary filing delays! With experienced human patent translators, such risks are non-existent.

Offer More Than Patent Translations

Human patent translators offer way more than just patent translation services. These experts can –

  • Provide one translation of a patent document and then translate it into similar languages for filing in additional countries. For example, if you’re filing patent applications in Spain, it makes sense to revise them into Latin American Spanish so that you can file them in all Southern American countries in the future.
  • Top translation experts also provide repetitive text analysis services where they translate prior art searches on their clients’ behalf.

Overall, the translation of patent documents is still an art that only humans can carry out effectively. That’s why automation may help patent translators do their job better, but it will never replace them!

Why Choose Patent Translations Express?

Our patent translators have a thorough knowledge of patent literature. PTE optimises the human translation work in order to provide our clients with shorter turnaround times. Patent translations are available in more than 40 languages around the world.

Visit Patent Translations Express to learn more about our services.

Leave a Reply