Presentation Summary
J-3: Free Intellectual Property Translation Resources by James Phillips (WIPO)
James Phillips of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) presented a new set of guidelines for patent translations of Asian languages (Japanese, Korean, and Chinese). As the demands for patent translations in Korean and Chinese are rapidly increasing, it is extremely important to establish a good set of combined guidelines for Asian languages. In addition, Japanese patent translators need to assist such process, as the Japanese patent translation standard has been already established. This is a remarkable step towards the standardization of patent translations in Asian languages.
The following are the key points of the presentation.
1. WIPO has started the process of establishing the patent translation standard for Asian languages. This will be online testing, and the test takers are to aim at the pass rate.
2. The importance of accuracy in patent translations lies in describing how parts are formed/attached, etc.
3. In technical translations, the following three items are very important: (1) Understanding the whole picture, (2) Reading drawings, and (3) Choice of words.
4. The hardest word is a/the, indefinite or definite articles. This is basically ruled by the first mention/second mention.
5. The correct way of writing a part name with its corresponding reference numeral was introduced in the presentation. However, this seems to be different from the way the U.S. does. We hope to see more explanation on this issue in the follow-up session by WIPO next year.
6. The terms of “comprise/have/include” have special meanings. We hope to see more explanation on this issue in the follow-up session by WIPO next year.
7. WIPO will provide an online training session for Asian patent translators. This is a great opportunity for Asian patent translators. For the link to the training site, contact James at .