Japan Patent Translation
Patent Translation
Practice tips for translation when filing a Japanese national phase application based on a PCT international application.
We understand that the translation cost could be a significant obstacle for applicants from overseas. At Allegro IP, Japanese translations are prepared by patent attorneys to maintain the high quality standard you expect, while competitive translation costs are offered.
01. Translation by Patent Attorney
When we receive instructions from our clients to file a Japanese national phase application based on a PCT application, we prepare and file a full Japanese translation from the original language. In this regard, we believe that the quality of the Japanese translation has a significant impact on subsequent proceedings, including the JPO's strict formalities requirements, the complexity of office actions, and the strength of registered patent rights.
To ensure the highest standards of Japanese translation, we strictly adhere to a policy that designates patent attorneys as the exclusive professionals responsible for handling translation services. In contrast to other Japanese IP firms that utilize non-attorney translators, we assign a patent attorney to oversee each case, from filing and translation to prosecution and registration.
To ensure the highest standards of Japanese translation, we strictly adhere to a policy that designates patent attorneys as the exclusive professionals responsible for handling translation services. In contrast to other Japanese IP firms that utilize non-attorney translators, we assign a patent attorney to oversee each case, from filing and translation to prosecution and registration.
02. Translation cost
In the meantime, when overseas applicants consider filing a patent application in Japan, we understand that the translation cost would be a significant obstacle. Most IP firms typically employ in-house non-attorney translators and/or utilize external translation agencies. We understand that this would be beneficial in terms of reducing translation costs at the filing stage.
At Allegro IP, the Japanese application, including claims, specifications, figures, and other relevant components, must be prepared by a patent attorney. The attorney assigned to the case will prepare the Japanese translation independently, ensuring that future prosecution will be conducted smoothly and reliably. We are confident in our ability to deliver translations that meet the highest standards of technical and legal precision.
Our objective is not only to reduce the initial translation costs but also to minimize the overall prosecution costs. For instance, we can avoid unnecessary office actions, such as those based on clarity requirements. Please be advised that the attorney's fees associated with responding to office actions can be quite substantial. Providing substandard translation services can lead to a series of office actions. Furthermore, the attorney's preparation of the translation would be advantageous in ensuring the patent's comprehensive and robust protection.
Nevertheless, our firm is also committed to minimizing unnecessary expenses for our clients. Therefore, we offer the following translation fees from English into Japanese:
- JPY 25 (per English word)
We believe that this is the competitive fee that we can offer to reduce waste and keep costs to our clients as low as possible.
At Allegro IP, the Japanese application, including claims, specifications, figures, and other relevant components, must be prepared by a patent attorney. The attorney assigned to the case will prepare the Japanese translation independently, ensuring that future prosecution will be conducted smoothly and reliably. We are confident in our ability to deliver translations that meet the highest standards of technical and legal precision.
Our objective is not only to reduce the initial translation costs but also to minimize the overall prosecution costs. For instance, we can avoid unnecessary office actions, such as those based on clarity requirements. Please be advised that the attorney's fees associated with responding to office actions can be quite substantial. Providing substandard translation services can lead to a series of office actions. Furthermore, the attorney's preparation of the translation would be advantageous in ensuring the patent's comprehensive and robust protection.
Nevertheless, our firm is also committed to minimizing unnecessary expenses for our clients. Therefore, we offer the following translation fees from English into Japanese:
- JPY 25 (per English word)
We believe that this is the competitive fee that we can offer to reduce waste and keep costs to our clients as low as possible.
03. Documents to be translated
As previously stated, at Allegro IP, a patent attorney is assigned to prepare a full Japanese translation, including claims, specifications, figures, and other relevant elements, at the time of the PCT national phase entry into Japan.
Texts in Figures/Drawings:
According to Japanese patent practice, it is not required to translate all figures or drawings included in a PCT application. Therefore, it is sufficient to translate only figures and drawings that contain English words into Japanese.
At our firm, such figures and drawings are also prepared by patent attorneys. In addition to the body of the specification, a PCT application includes various elements to be translated, such as, figures, drawings, chemical formulas, and tables. In this regard, the JPO has strict regulations regarding image file formats, in terms of file format (PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG) and image format (black-and-white binary, grayscale). At our firm, patent attorneys meticulously review them before filing a Japanese national phase application with the JPO to satisfy the strict formality requirements.
Other Documents:
It is also important to note that, at our firm, other documents that should be submitted with the JPO, such as Power of Attorney, Assignment, Priority Document, etc., are also prepared by a patent attorney who is well-versed in administrative procedures.
Texts in Figures/Drawings:
According to Japanese patent practice, it is not required to translate all figures or drawings included in a PCT application. Therefore, it is sufficient to translate only figures and drawings that contain English words into Japanese.
At our firm, such figures and drawings are also prepared by patent attorneys. In addition to the body of the specification, a PCT application includes various elements to be translated, such as, figures, drawings, chemical formulas, and tables. In this regard, the JPO has strict regulations regarding image file formats, in terms of file format (PNG, GIF, BMP, JPEG) and image format (black-and-white binary, grayscale). At our firm, patent attorneys meticulously review them before filing a Japanese national phase application with the JPO to satisfy the strict formality requirements.
Other Documents:
It is also important to note that, at our firm, other documents that should be submitted with the JPO, such as Power of Attorney, Assignment, Priority Document, etc., are also prepared by a patent attorney who is well-versed in administrative procedures.