When it comes to protecting intellectual property, translation isn’t just a language exercise, it’s a legal one. The accuracy of your patent translations can make or break your ability to enforce your rights abroad. One small error can open the door to avoidable office actions, unnecessary high-cost attorney hours, and possible revocation of patent rights.
At BIG IP, BIG Language Solutions’ specialized patent translation and foreign filing offering, we’ve built our reputation on delivering highly accurate, legally robust patent translations. Our rigorous four-step quality assurance (QA) process is designed specifically to eliminate the kinds of errors that can undermine your IP strategy.
Real-World Risk: When One Word Changes Everything
The importance of accurate translation was recently underscored in a case before the Court of Rome: TEMA Technologies and Materials v. Schluter Systems. At the heart of the dispute was a small but crucial discrepancy in the Italian translation of a European patent claim, specifically, the substitution of “and” for “or.”
The original patent described “a moisture-resistant and moisture-proof foam core layer.” The Italian translation read: “a moisture-resistant or moisture-proof foam core layer.” That single word shift opened the door to legal challenge, threatened the validity of the patent, and forced the patent owner into a defensive posture, even though the translated claim had become broader.
Even though the court did not ultimately invalidate the patent, it highlighted how serious translation mistakes such as cutting corners, relying too heavily on machine translation, or choosing a provider without deep patent expertise, can lead to significant legal and financial risk. In many cases, the cost of defending a flawed translation far exceeds the cost of getting it right the first time. And not just in patents — a missing comma once cost a U.S. company $5 million in a labor dispute.
Our Solution: Four Layers of Protection
To prevent costly translation errors like these, BIG IP follows a proven four-step QA process:
- Expert Translation by a Subject-Matter Specialist
Every translation begins with a linguist who holds an advanced degree in the relevant technical field. Their deep subject-matter knowledge ensures that key terminology and context are correctly captured from the outset. - Independent Grammar and Syntax Review
Next, another advanced-degree linguist reviews the translation for grammar, structure, and language accuracy, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout the document. - Technical Accuracy and Legal Compliance Review
Then, an in-country patent attorney reviews the translation to confirm it adheres to local patent office formatting requirements and reflects the original intent with complete legal precision and technical accuracy. - Final QA and Project Requirements Check
Finally, a dedicated project manager evaluates the full translation package against client specifications and oversees delivery, ensuring every box is checked and every file is right the first time.
Why It Works
Each step adds a layer of protection against human error and mitigates risk. And that protection pays off, especially when filing a PCT in jurisdictions where translations are needed to avoid not only litigation, but the costs affiliated with prosecution.
With BIG IP, you’re not just getting a translation. You’re getting peace of mind.
AI-Assisted Translation, Backed by Human Experience
Full human translation remains the most trusted approach for patent filings. It ensures precise terminology, accurate context, and alignment with legal and regulatory standards. However, as translation technologies evolve, AI-assisted methods are becoming more common in cost-sensitive situations.
At BIG IP, our clients choose when to use an AI solution. On all AI-assisted translations, the output is always reviewed by a subject-matter expert. This post-editing process ensures the terminology is technically correct, the legal phrasing is precise, and the context reflects the intent of the original patent. A final review by an in-country patent attorney ensures the translation stands up to scrutiny, both in quality and in legal reliability.
For clients seeking a cost-conscious option, our AI Plus service combines AI-assisted translation with expert post-editing and attorney review. It offers a more efficient path to high-quality patent translations without compromising the human oversight your IP deserves. Reach out to learn whether AI Plus is right for your next filing.
Safeguard Your Rights from the Start
Don’t wait until you’re in court to find out if your patent translation holds up. Our four-step QA process is designed to catch issues before they become problems so you can move forward with confidence.
Ready to protect your patents with precision?
Whether you choose Patent Plus, our gold standard with full human translation, expert post-editing, and patent attorney review, or opt for AI Plus, which accelerates delivery through neural machine translation followed by human post-editing and legal review, you get one thing every time: translations you can trust. No shortcuts. No skipped steps. Just complete confidence in every word. Get in touch to learn how BIG IP can support your EP validation and global filing needs.
