In order for Japanese applicants to obtain strong patent rights that are enforceable around the world, having an accurate English translation of the patent claims is absolutely essential. At Horn & Uchida Patent Translations, it is our mission to provide the most accurate and high-quality translations of both the specifications and the claims of Japanese patent applications.
While there are many different fields of translation, we proudly specialize in patents. Accuracy is of paramount importance in patent translation. When translating from Japanese into English in other fields of translation, more “natural English” expressions often need to be used in order to make the translation easier for native English speakers to read. Since Japanese and English are languages with radically different structures and cultures to begin with, such “natural English” expressions may be given preference even when the meaning differs slightly from that of the original Japanese text. However, this is not the case with patent translation. Such “natural English” expressions must not be used at the expense of semantic accuracy. Accuracy always takes precedence.
So how does one define "accuracy"? When translating from Japanese to English, is it the process of replacing Japanese words one by one with English words? In our case, certainly not. An “accurate translation” means that the meaning is exactly the same. Since we are defining the scope of a patent, we must reproduce English sentences that express the exact same scope. Round things must be round, square things must be square, and the translation must be such that a shape remains the same and with the exact same area. The meanings must overlap precisely, without a single millimeter of deviation. At Horn & Uchida Patent Translations, we naturally believe it is important English translations also make clear sense in English. Simply replacing Japanese words one by one with English words will often result in a sentence that makes no sense in English, and even sometimes has a completely different meaning.
For example, take a look at the translation below.
Here, the original text is “各センサ３は、各信号線４と接続される”. Since the Japanese term “各” is used in this sentence, many people would automatically think that it should simply be translated as “each”.
However, in this case, “each” cannot simply be used as-is. This term “各” appears twice in the original Japanese text, but “each” should not be used two times. Although using “each” twice would obtain a so-called faithful translation from Japanese, the result will have a meaning that the original clearly did not intend. This surely cannot be called an accurate translation.
This is just one example, but we encounter such problems frequently. Any time there is the slightest hesitancy as to what the accurate translation would be, our team of experienced native Japanese and native English translators consult with each other and reproduce English sentences that convey the meaning originally intended by the Japanese text without any excess or deficiency, always keeping in mind whether it is a PCT application or a Paris application. Our translators do not simply automatically replace Japanese with English. You can expect us to always provide carefully though out accurate translations that convey the correct meaning.
All members of our translation team are highly skilled in English and Japanese. Even still, simply having superior language skills does not mean someone can translate patents. One needs not only capability, but also the knowledge required to accurately understand the source text. All of our translators are highly qualified in this respect as well. Moreover, our translators work in the same office, and can thus can share their knowledge with each other. When it comes to language, having both native Japanese and native English translators means we can complement each other's skills.
With these features, our small team of elite translators can provide you with accurate and reliable patent translations that meet your needs. Quality translations will ultimately reduce your patent application costs. We invite you to take advantage of our translation services to obtain the highest quality translations while also achieving reductions in cost.
