Do you ever wish the process for filing a patent application was more uniform between countries? The requirements can be quite confusing and inconsistent across jurisdictions. This is why we’ve compiled five of the world’s more unique translation-related filing requirements. These requirements are unquestionably unusual, if not challenging. If you happen to be looking into filing a patent in any of these countries, we’ve provided some advice for dealing with these peculiar patent translation services requirements.
Patent Translation Requirements | International Patent Filing Isn’t Always Straightforward
When considering an international patent filing, it is important to fully understand the requirements laid out by the country’s patent office. In some cases, it is straightforward; however, there are a few countries with international patent application processes that are slightly different from the rest – in particular when it comes to patent translation.
Below, we’ve outlined the patent translation requirements for 5 countries, that are slightly more unique, and slightly more challenging.
5 Unique Patent Translation Requirements
1. Iceland
Many countries allow patent applications to be initially filed in any language, as long as the application is translated into the country’s official language.
No more than two official languages is the norm for most jurisdictions.
Although Iceland’s only official language is Icelandic, which is spoken by 92% of its population, the country’s patent office accepts filing in Icelandic, English, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian.
That’s a total of five languages, more than in any other country. Nonetheless, the abstract and claims need to be submitted in Icelandic.
What is the best strategy? English or Icelandic translation must be submitted at grant, even though any of the five languages are accepted at filing. So the best is to simplify the process by using English or Icelandic from the beginning if you want to save filing another translation.
2. Burundi
Although the patent office in Burundi lists Kirundi, French, and English as acceptable languages at filing, the office’s intellectual property department has made clear that its examiners are more comfortable with French.
So despite the temptation to use English, the best strategy is to provide a French translation.
It’s true that examiners are expected to be objective in their decisions, but when the fate of your patent hangs in the balance why not help them to feel as comfortable as possible?
3. Switzerland
National patent offices grant patents just for the corresponding nation, and regional patent offices do the same for their region.
But a patent granted at Switzerland’s national patent office also includes a patent grant in Liechtenstein.
Since it’s impossible to file for a patent in either Switzerland or Liechtenstein separately, as both are inevitably connected, you literally have a two for the price of one deal you can’t avoid even if you tried.
4. Taiwan
Taiwan is quite generous in its translation requirements, perhaps more than any other jurisdiction in the world.
Whereas most jurisdictions offer a single translation extension of 2-3 months, Taiwan offers a four-month extension to produce a Traditional Chinese translation.
If that isn’t enough, an additional two months can be added, providing up to six months to complete the job. Both of these extensions are free.
While six months of free translation deadline extensions may seem quite generous, Taiwan’s total filing time is pretty short in comparison to other jurisdictions in the world.
While Germany’s total filing time with no available extensions is 30 months, Taiwan’s filing deadline (12 months) plus all the available extensions (6 months) is only 18 months.
5. United Arab Emirates
At the translation deadline, most patent offices only accept one language. But the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is unique in that it requires both English and Arabic at filing.
Most international applicants will already have an English translation of their application, but in the event that the priority filing is in another language, a rare two translations will be due at the UAE filing deadline.
What is the best strategy?
Consider filing regionally through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC also requires both Arabic and English but it expands your protection beyond the UAE to other nearby countries with similar markets, like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Keep in mind, however, that a GCC patent is a direct filing and is therefore due at 12 months instead of 30 or 31.
Have more questions about international patent translation requirements? Check out our Legal Translation and Patent Translation services!
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