Your first question may be what Intellectual Property is. Shortly, Intellectual Property is and refers to the protection of an idea or creation used in a business. So in other words, things such as Inventions, artistic work, names, logos, software, literature, trademarks and patents. It has to do with the legal ownership of these sorts of creations and ideas. We are going to focus on the topic as it relates to Technical Translations.
So, since we now understand what IP stands for and what its’ meaning is, we can better understand how it is used when referring to the Translation Industry.
Technical
translations are an important step in acquiring legal protection for an entity’s
valuable intellectual property rights; thereafter, let us dissect more its
characteristics:
Technical
Translation refers to the Translation of Technical documents from one language
to another. Here, Technical document means any specialized subject document
that needs proper knowledge and definition to the related terminology; per
example, subjects related to electronics, medical sciences, engineering, laws,
etc.
Technical
Translation for Patents is the most commonly used translation service, by
nature patent documentation involves creating claims that cover all the content
for every possible application in the future on a similar product, method or
technique. Thus, you must be precise with the terms and words that you would
use to maintain similar meaning as that of the source file or document. A
scientific or technical document requires an experienced and professional
technical person in order to translate the matter properly. Moreover, the
translator must also have a good knowledge of the language in which the
document is currently written. Nevertheless, translating intellectual property
documents means translating more than just patents. IP translation services can
include translating trademarks, examination reports, and technical documents
related to patent litigation. Hence, a non-technical person will not be able to
perform the translation properly.
Technical
translation plays a key role in the protection process due to its relation with
the rules, laws, and regulations of creations, inventions, literature, and etc.
when it comes to its proper interpretation, use, and handling; therefore, mistakes
in the translation of an application or something not correctly being
implemented can result in the loss of ownership of a particular IP meaning, the
loss to the rights of an invention or idea of an invention, logo, name, or in
the industry’s case, literature or a written document. Which would also mean
the loss of funds, potential notoriety, and cause a lot of unnecessary
obstructions. In view of all of this, you can see the importance of having your
particular IP properly handled, documented, and translated. Having that
document accurately converted into the particular language needed is crucial
and the easy interpretation of it, is equally important.
There are some major points that a technical translation includes. An IP translator must know about the key requirements of the project in hand. One should consider the following points in order to get a useful and accurate translation:
§ Translations are unequivocal, it includes a number of technical points which makes the process time-frame, demanding and mystifying as they contain logic and formal writing.
§ The words used in the translation should be easy to understand and should maintain the simplicity of the context.
§ The major parts of these documents contain technical or scientific terms, so it is necessary to find their correct and accurate replacements.
§ Every organization requires expert and professional technical IP translators as they work or plan to work in the international market, this assures the reputation and correct intentions of marketing to its clients.
§
There is no space for any inaccuracies
regarding the translations while the IP translator is working on technical or
scientific documentation, a single error may lead to misinterpretation of the
original document. Accordingly, for the translation process, a high level of
accuracy and concentration is required.
To achieve the required precision and attentiveness,
you need an expert IP translation team whom acquired proper training in
technical writing, language skills and ability to understand the sense of the
content.
Here are the
qualities to look for when it comes to choosing you IP representative to handle
the technical translations of your entity:
Ø
Having the right people for the right job: Due to the
complexity and high technical level of the translations, it is crucial to have
qualified IP translators experts in the various areas of translation.
Ø
Language expertise: The IP translators
must have both the legal knowledge and the language proficiency of the desired
translation as well as the original language of the documentation.
Ø
Attention to detail: Even small
inaccuracies can lead to rejection of an application, so you should choose a
representative that have the proper system for quality checks.
Ø
Reliability: Working with a group of individuals that you
can rely on to get the job done well and on time is crucial, time is very
important when it comes to IP applications. There is a high competition in
every industry, so good quality that can be delivered in a timely manner is
very important and must be taken into consideration.
Ø
Confidentiality: Knowing that
your IP is safe and protected in every way possible is extremely important. The
lack of protection and safety over your work can be a frightening thing to have
to worry about. Always be sure to work with a team of people that you trust and
always request for a non-disclosure agreement if not proposed by your chosen
legal representative. The last thing you need, is for your work or the process
of you getting an IP rights protection to be compromised in any way.
The protection
of your IP is extremely important and should be taken very seriously, it is
essential to consider and weight the costs when it comes to the quality of your
technical documents or literature. The cost is way too high to wager when it
comes to losing the rights or ownership of an idea or work. So, think twice
when it comes to how your IP is handled. Working with experts in the field is
your safest bet.
Translating and protecting IP requires an in-depth knowledge of the language, the technical field or sector of the patent, and the applicable laws in each country.
Our interdisciplinary team of translators, reviewers, linguists, attorneys, and engineers has made us a leader in the management and translation of IP texts and the best source of technical translations.
If you want to discuss your current Intellectual Property translation project with our IP translators experts, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
For more information on how we can assist you with all your patent
matters please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kindly note that, the
above information is simplified and must not be taken as a definitive statement
of the law or practice.