Validation of European patents, after grant by the EPO, requires different steps to be taken in different countries. In particular some countries require a translation of all or part of the granted patent into their local language, whereas others do not.
Traditionally, validations have been handled by recruiting local agents in each country to attend to the requirements. As such, where translations were needed, the local agents would arrange for them, often using local translation firms, who in turn often use freelance translators. This can result in a lengthy chain of reporting (from the freelance translator to the local translation firm, to the local agent, to us, to you), which can be very inefficient as it can introduce delays and increase overall costs. The chain can also make it very difficult to accurately estimate costs before work is done. As a separate chain exists in each country requiring a translation, there is the potential for a loss of oversight unless strong efforts are made.
We can now offer our clients a better validation service based on an alternative model. Instead of relying exclusively on local agents to instruct and obtain translations as required, we have taken control of the translation provision in-house. J A Kemp thus provides a top-quality translation service and integrates it seamlessly with the validation provision. Our service charge for completing the validation in each country thus includes the cost of translation together with the cost of performing the validation acts so there are no disbursements for clients to pay.
If you are interested in learning more about this service, please contact Mark Roberts or James Egleton.
1 We are happy to provide an estimate in advance that we will stick to, although if we receive late instructions requiring translations to be performed at expedited cost, an additional charge of up to 20% will be made. We always make it clear when this applies. As such, you can be confident that you are in control of your costs.