Welcome to APEX Patent Solutions!
We are an international patent firm based in Japan, dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of intellectual property services to clients worldwide. Our expertise covers patent and trademark applications, prosecution, and a wide array of IP-related matters.
On this page, we introduce our patent translation services.
When You Might Need Japanese Patent Translation
We understand that many visitors to this page are likely seeking Japanese Patent Translation services to meet their specific intellectual property needs.
Here are the typical cases where Japanese Patent Translation is required:
Patent Translation from Foreign Languages into Japanese
・Filing a PCT International Application in Japan (National Phase Entry via the PCT Route)
Accurate translation is critical when transitioning a PCT international application into the Japanese national phase. This ensures compliance with the Japan Patent Office (JPO)'s strict requirements and preserves the integrity of the original application, including claims, descriptions, and drawings.
・Filing a Patent Application in Japan Claiming Priority Based on a Foreign Application (Paris Route)
High-quality translation is essential when filing a Japanese patent application under the Paris Convention. This ensures that the priority claim is accurately reflected, and the technical and legal content of the original foreign application is properly adapted to meet the Japan Patent Office (JPO)'s requirements.
・Filing a Direct First Patent Application in Japan (Direct Filing)
For applicants choosing Japan as the first filing country, precise translation is crucial to ensure the technical details and legal aspects of the invention are accurately conveyed in Japanese. This helps meet the stringent requirements of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and facilitates a smooth application process.
Patent Translation from Japanese into Foreign Languages
・Understanding Japanese Patent Information
Accurate translations of Japanese patent documents are critical for avoiding patent infringement in Japan, prior art searches and competitor technology analysis and so on.
・Other scenarios may include transitioning a PCT international application filed in Japanese into foreign national phases or filing foreign patent applications claiming priority based on a Japanese application. However, these cases are likely rare for international visitors viewing this page in English.
Points When Translating Patents from English to Japanese
One of the most typical cases is the transition of a PCT international application into the Japanese national phase. However, if the translation is not accurate, it may lead to an Office Action, such as a Notice of Reasons for Rejection, issued by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). To avoid such issues, it is crucial to pay attention to the following points:
- Simply translating english directly into Japanese can result in difficult-to-understand phrases for examiners
- Japanese often omits the subject when it is obvious, making direct translation from English unnatural
- It is important to distinguish between the first mention and subsequent mentions of terms (such as component names) in the patent claims
Even if the original patent specification was not rejected in the country of filing, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) examiner may find the translated claims unclear in Japanese.
This could easily lead to a rejection for failing to meet the clarity requirement (Article 36, Paragraph 6, Item 2 of the Japanese Patent Act).
It is essential that the translation remains within the scope of the original description. However, when translating into Japanese, it is equally important to carefully choose words to ensure the content is clear and understandable to the examiner.
Points When Translating Patents from Japanese to English
The same level of caution is required when translating patents from Japanese into English. Compared to translating a Japanese patent specification into English solely for understanding the technical content, greater care is needed when filing applications in other countries based on the Japanese specification. This is because the translation must comply with the legal requirements of the target country.
The key points to keep in mind when translating Japanese patent specifications into English are as follows:
- Translate using terms commonly used in the relevant technical field.
- Ensure the translation stays within the scope of the Japanese description while producing clear and precise English suitable for examiners.
- Recognize the differences between Japanese, which often omits the subject, and English, which requires explicit subjects, and adapt the expressions appropriately to ensure clarity and naturalness.
If the translation is inappropriate, examiners may fail to understand the technical content, potentially leading to the citation of unrelated prior art or difficulties in asserting rights during disputes.
Leave your Japanese patent translation needs to APEX Patent Solutions
Our firm leverages extensive expertise in patents to provide high-quality patent translation services.
In addition to Japanese-to-English and English-to-Japanese translations, we are also available to assist with translations involving other languages. Please feel free to contact us for inquiries.
We offer free quotes for our patent translation services. Feel free to request a quote using the form below.
Japanese Patent Translation Quote Request Form
Please fill out the form below to receive a free estimate for our patent translation services.