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Back Translations for Patents

Oct 18, 2010

In patent applications, every word counts. IP professionals draft applications using precise language and explicit terms to ensure not only that the application will be granted, but also that it will be enforceable. When filing an application overseas, it is equally important that the translated text retain the same precise, unambiguous language. A poorly translated word or phrase can literally cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

If you are concerned about the quality of the translations provided by your foreign associates or translation provider, one way to check for accuracy is to ask a company like Morningside to perform a back translation. What is a back translation? It’s the process of translating a document that has already been translated into a foreign language back into the original language. The two documents are then compared and reviewed for accuracy. To manage costs, you can have a back translation performed only on the claims. It makes sense to have back translations performed on several claim sets to get a broad picture of the translation quality your current vendor is providing. Questions about back translations? Call Morningside and we will be glad to help.

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