When are machine translations acceptable for foreign language documents in patent examination?

Machine translations are generally acceptable for use in patent examination under certain conditions. According to MPEP 901.05(d):

“Machine translations are acceptable if the translation is sufficient to determine the relevant features of the document as they relate to the claimed invention.“

However, it’s important to note that:

• Examiners should review the machine translation to ensure it’s adequate for understanding the document’s relevance to the claimed invention.
• If the machine translation is unclear or insufficient, a human translation may be necessary.
• The original foreign language document should be made of record along with the machine translation.

To learn more:

• machine translations
• foreign language documents
• patent examination
• prior art