How should patent applicants handle foreign language documents?

How should patent applicants handle foreign language documents?

When dealing with foreign language documents during patent prosecution, applicants should follow these guidelines:

• Obtain translations: Secure at least machine translations for foreign language documents.
• Review translations: Have someone review the machine translations for accuracy.
• Consider relevance: Determine if the foreign language document is material to patentability.
• Submit both versions: If submitting to the USPTO, provide both the original document and its translation.

The MPEP advises: “If a translation of a foreign language document is submitted, applicant should also submit a copy of the foreign language document.” (MPEP 2004)

This approach ensures that all relevant information is properly disclosed and considered during the patent examination process.

To learn more:

• foreign language documents
• translations
• patent application
• information disclosure