Machine vs Human Translation for Japan PCT Filing
Introduction
Filing a PCT application in Japan requires all documentation to be submitted in Japanese. This raises a fundamental question for foreign applicants and in-house counsel: should you rely on machine translation or invest in professional human translation? In this article, we explore the risks, benefits, costs, and strategic implications of each option.
Why Translation Accuracy Matters in Japan
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) is known for its strict examination standards. Even small translation errors in claims or technical terms can lead to rejections, delays, or reduced scope of patent protection. Translation is not merely linguistic—it's legal and technical interpretation.
Machine Translation: Pros and Cons
Tools like DeepL or Google Translate offer quick and cost-free results. However, they often fail to capture nuances specific to patent language, especially in complex mechanical or chemical inventions. Ambiguous phrasing or mistranslations can change the meaning of claims and create compliance issues with JPO standards.
- Pros: Fast, cheap or free, accessible
- Cons: Risk of errors, lack of accountability, no domain-specific accuracy
Human Translation: Precision and Protection
At Origami International Patent Firm, all translations are done by patent-trained human translators. This ensures accuracy in terminology, syntax, and format aligned with JPO requirements. Our fee is 30 JPY per English word—an investment that can prevent costly legal setbacks.
Case Studies and Comparisons
In one case, a machine translation rendered the word "shaft" as "pole," which led to a narrowed claim scope and required re-examination. In contrast, our team correctly identified the context and used precise terminology, resulting in a smooth grant without further amendment.
Strategic Considerations for In-House Counsel
General counsel and IP managers should factor translation quality into their overall IP budget. Poor translations can increase prosecution time, add legal costs, and lead to inferior patent rights. Working with a trusted firm offers predictability and consistency across filings.
Explore Our Full PCT Support Services
Our support goes beyond translation. We offer flat-fee filing, priority document handling, claim amendment assistance, and more. Learn about our full suite of services:
Origami International Patent Firm – PCT/Paris Entry into Japan
FAQs
Q1. Can I use machine translation for my Japan PCT filing?
A1. Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it due to legal and technical risks.
Q2. What’s your translation turnaround time?
A2. Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days for average-length documents.
Q3. Are your translations reviewed?
A3. Yes, every document is proofread by a second patent professional.
Q4. What fields do your translators specialize in?
A4. We cover mechanical, electrical, chemical, biotech, and software-related fields.
Contact Information
FYI: Competitive Fee Schedule
Compared to a typical Japanese patent firm, Origami International Patent Firm offers highly competitive and transparent pricing tailored to overseas applicants.
This means that applicants working with Origami can typically expect 50–70% total cost savings compared to conventional Japanese firms, without compromising on quality, responsiveness, or technical accuracy.
| Item For Patent Application | Typical Firm (Service Fee) | Origami Firm (Service Fee) |
|---|---|---|
|
PCT or Paris Extension into JP or Regular Filing in JP |
100,000 JPY |
All-inclusive price 43,000 JPY (about 300 USD) |
| Filing an amendment based on Art. 19 | 30,000 JPY | |
| Filing an amendment based on Art. 34 | 30,000 JPY | |
| Filing a voluntary amendment | 30,000 JPY | |
| Claiming priority to one or more prior applications | 10,000- JPY | |
| Filing a request for examination | 20,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
| PPH (excluding a request for examination) | 80,000 JPY |
60,000 JPY (about 400 USD) |
| Filing a priority certificate in the absense of DAS code (*1) | 20,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
| Translation of each procedural document (*2) | 40 JPY/EN Word | 30 JPY/EN Word |
| Response to an Office action (*3) | 200,000 or more JPY |
Workload A: 40,000 JPY (*4) Workload B: 80,000 JPY (*4) Workload C: 120,000 JPY (*4) Workload D: 160,000 JPY (*4) Workload E: 180,000- JPY (*4) |
| Filing a Divisional Application | 80,000 JPY |
60,000 JPY (about 400 USD) |
| Reporting a notice of allowance and paying the registration fee (1st to 3rd year in lump sum as registration fee) | 50,000 JPY |
28,000 JPY (about 180 USD) |
| Payment of annuity | 30,000 JPY |
15,000 JPY (about 100 USD) |
*1. Regarding "Filing a priority certificate in the absence of DAS code", the certificate and DAS code are issued by the Patent Office after a precedent application was filed. Furthermore, one of them is required only when you claim a priority based on the precedent application in Japan. In other words, they are not required if there is no precedent application.
*2. Regarding "Translation of each procedural document", we will charge a translation fee regarding specifications including a description, claims, abstract, and drawings which are needed to file with the JPO. Regarding an office action, we will charge the translation fee thereof if you request us to translate it from Japanese to English for studying it on your side. In other words, we do not charge when you prefer not to translate the office action.
*3. Response to an office action issued by the JPO, an amendment and argument are prepared for responding to it and for arguing that the concerned application should be registered. Please note that the office action is not necessarily issued, it is issued only when there is the reason for rejection regarding a registration of a Patent/Design/Trademark application, the reason being Novelty, Inventive Step, and the like. In other words, we do not charge when there is no office action or when you prefer not to respond to the issued office action.
*4. Regarding our service fee for responding to the office action, it is specified based on from "Workload A" to "Workload E". These workloads depend on degree of difficulty for overcoming the reason for rejection and/or the number of the reasons described therein.
The "Workload A" is, for example, a task of deleting a part of claims;
The "Workload B" is, for example, a task of preparing a comment for overcoming the office action;
The "Workload C" is, for example, a task of preparing and filing a response to the office action;
The "Workload D" is, for example, a task of preparing a comment for overcoming the office action and filing a response thereto; and
The "Workload E" is, for example, an additional or extra task in addition to the "Workload D".
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