Patent Translation for USPTO Filings
English translations of patent applications, PCT international applications and priority documents for the USPTO, with the statement of accuracy the rules require.
Reviewed by Murat Saymaz, Global Certified Translations · Facts checked 4 November 2026
The short answer
The USPTO accepts an application filed in another language, but requires an English translation with a statement that it is accurate (37 CFR 1.52(d)). A PCT application entering the US national stage needs an English translation under 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(2). Foreign priority documents need a translation only when the examiner asks or an interference-type question arises (37 CFR 1.55).
Rules that apply
Each rule links to its source. Checked 4 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office that will receive your documents.
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| An application may be filed in a language other than English. An English translation, a statement that it is accurate, and the processing fee are then required, within the period the USPTO sets. | 37 CFR 1.52(d) |
| To enter the US national stage, a PCT application not in English must be accompanied by an English translation of the international application. | 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(2) |
| National stage requirements are due by 30 months from the priority date; the translation can follow later with a surcharge, within the time the Office sets. | 37 CFR 1.495 |
| An English translation of a non-English foreign priority application is needed only when the Office requires it or the claim must be relied on, together with a statement that the translation is accurate. | 37 CFR 1.55 |
| Translations of amendments to claims under PCT Article 19 must also be filed for the national stage if the amendments are to be kept. | 35 U.S.C. 371(c)(3) |
Why patent translation is its own discipline
A patent's scope is set by its claims, and the claims are read word by word. In most documents a translator may choose the more natural English phrasing. In a claim, the choice between "comprising" and "consisting of" changes what the patent covers, and a singular where the original had a plural can narrow it. A patent translation therefore keeps the structure of each claim, keeps one English term for each source term throughout the document, and does not "improve" the original. If the source is ambiguous, the translation stays ambiguous in the same way and we note it for the attorney.
The three filings that need a translation
A US application filed in another language. Filing in Japanese, German or Chinese secures the date; the English translation and its accuracy statement follow. Until they arrive, examination does not start.
PCT national stage. The international application enters the US at 30 months from priority. If it was filed or published in another language, the national stage needs an English translation of the description, claims, any text in the drawings, and the abstract. Article 19 claim amendments need their own translation to be kept.
Foreign priority documents. The certified copy of the earlier application can be filed in its original language. A translation becomes necessary when an examiner asks for it, typically to decide whether the priority claim gives you an earlier date against a reference.
What a good patent translation includes
- Claims numbered and structured as in the original, with dependencies preserved.
- A term list, so "Gehäuse" is "housing" on every page, not "housing" in claim 1 and "casing" in the description.
- Reference numerals untouched, and text inside drawings translated as a separate list the draftsperson can apply.
- Chemical names, sequence listings and units carried over exactly; no conversion of units unless the attorney asks.
- A signed statement that the translation is accurate, worded for the filing it supports.
Translation for litigation and freedom-to-operate
Foreign patents and office actions are also translated for infringement opinions, validity searches and litigation. For those, ask for a full translation of the documents you will rely on and summaries of the rest: translating a whole patent family to read one claim is rarely worth the cost.
What we don't do
We translate. We do not draft claims, give opinions on patentability or infringement, or file with the USPTO; your patent attorney or agent does that. Deadlines are set by the rules above, so tell us the date the translation must be filed when you order.
Documents we translate for this
Legal Document translation
Certified translation of court judgments, contracts, powers of attorney, affidavits and evidence for US and foreign courts.
Contract translation
Certified translation of contracts and leases: supply, distribution, employment, rental and sale agreements, for signing, courts, lenders and USCIS.
Price
$39 for the first page (up to 250 words) into English, $49 into any other language, then $0.116 per additional word. Each file is priced on its own. The signed certificate of accuracy is included.
Full pricingTurnaround
24 hours standard for most documents. Expedited service is +50% for 6–8 hours and +100% for 1–3 hours. Large files are quoted with a delivery date before you pay.
Questions
Does the USPTO require a certified patent translation?
It requires a statement that the translation is accurate (37 CFR 1.52(d) and 1.55). It does not require a sworn translator. We supply a signed statement of accuracy with every patent translation.
Do drawings need to be translated?
Text inside drawings does, for the national stage. Reference numerals do not. We return drawing text as a numbered list keyed to each figure.
How long does a patent translation take?
It depends on length and subject. A 10,000-word application usually takes several working days. Tell us the filing deadline and we will confirm a delivery date before you pay.
Can you translate office actions from foreign patent offices?
Yes. Office actions and search reports are shorter and are often needed quickly; send them with the response deadline.
Related
Prepared by Global Certified Translations, Edgewater, NJ. Translations are signed by a State Court Certified Translator. This page explains translation requirements; it is not legal advice.
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