AI-Assisted Patent Translation: Does It Reduce Costs?

In the era of globalization, as enterprises and researchers increasingly set their sights on overseas markets, the demand for patent applications services has surged, making patent translation services an indispensable component. Nowadays, the application of AI-assisted translation in the field of patent translation is becoming increasingly widespread, exerting a complex and multifaceted impact on patent translation pricing. It has the potential to drive prices down, maintain them at a stable level, or even cause them to rise under certain specific circumstances.

1.Key Factors Influencing Patent Translation Pricing

Language Pair and Quality Level: Different language pairs and translation quality levels directly affect translation fees. Taking English-to-Chinese translation as an example, the price for standard-level translation generally ranges from 170 to 200 yuan per thousand words, while the price for professional-level translation increases to 210 to 260 yuan per thousand words. For publication-level translation, the fee can soar as high as 310 to 500 yuan per thousand words.

Translator Qualifications and Experience: The qualifications and experience of translators are crucial determinants of translation fees. Mid-level translators are typically capable of handling general technical and business document translations. Senior translators, on the other hand, possess the ability to tackle translation tasks in more demanding professional fields. Expert translators specialize in the precise translation of highly complex and technically demanding documents, and their professional expertise and rich experience add significant value to their translation services.

Type of Patent: Different types of patents, due to varying levels of complexity and specialization in their content, also result in different charging standards. For instance, biomedical patents, which involve a vast array of technical terminology and complex technologies, are particularly challenging to translate. Consequently, the translation fees for biomedical patents are usually higher, possibly ranging from 230 to 550 yuan per thousand words.

2.Factors Leading to Price Reductions in Patent Translation Due to AI-Assisted Translation

Improved Translation Efficiency: AI-assisted translation tools can rapidly process large volumes of text and automatically match similar content in translation memories, significantly shortening translation time. For example, certain advanced machine translation engines can generate a first draft of a patent document within a short period, with translators only needing to proofread and polish it. This results in a 30% to 50% increase in work efficiency compared to traditional manual word-for-word translation. With reduced time costs, translation agencies may lower their prices accordingly to attract more clients.

Reduced Labor Costs: By leveraging AI technology, translation agencies can reduce their reliance on a large number of translators. Simple and repetitive translation tasks can be accomplished by AI, thereby cutting down on labor cost expenditures. This enables translation agencies to offer more competitive prices while maintaining profitability.

3.Factors Leading to Price Increases in Patent Translation Due to AI-Assisted Translation

Post-Editing Costs: Despite AI's ability to generate a first draft, patent translation places extremely high demands on accuracy and professionalism. Translators still need to invest a significant amount of time in meticulously editing and reviewing the machine-translated results. AI-generated translations may suffer from issues such as inaccurate terminology, non-standard language expression, and illogical coherence, all of which require translators to correct one by one. These post-editing tasks increase translation costs and may lead to higher pricing.

Professional Knowledge and Quality Control: Patent translation involves more than just language conversion; it also requires in-depth professional knowledge and a thorough understanding of patent regulations. Even with AI assistance, senior translators with a professional background remain indispensable. They are capable of ensuring the accuracy and compliance of the translation in both technical and legal aspects. For complex patent cases, translation agencies may maintain or even raise their prices due to the need to deploy more experienced translators for quality control.

Technology and Tool Costs: The use of AI-assisted translation tools is not free of charge. Translation agencies need to invest funds in purchasing relevant software, subscribing to services, and conducting technical maintenance and updates. Additionally, to ensure translation quality, agencies may also need to establish and maintain their own terminology databases, translation memories, and other resources. All these costs will, to a certain extent, affect translation pricing.

4.Artlangs Translation's Qualifications and Certifications

Certified Member of the Translators Association of China: Artlangs Translation has earned the recognition as a certified member of the Translators Association of China, thanks to its professional translation services and excellent industry reputation. This signifies that our professionalism and authority in the translation field have been widely acknowledged.

Certified Member of the American Translators Association: Simultaneously, Artlangs Translation is also a certified member of the American Translators Association, further demonstrating our competitiveness and influence in the international translation market.

ISO 9001 - Quality Management System Certification: Artlangs Translation strictly adheres to the requirements of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification, ensuring that every translated document meets high-quality standards.

ISO 27001 - Certification for Software and Commercial Activity Translation: In the realm of software and commercial activity translation, Artlangs Translation has also obtained ISO 27001 certification, guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of client information.

ISO 13485 - Certification for Medical Translation: In response to the translation needs of the medical field, Artlangs Translation possesses ISO 13485 certification, enabling us to provide accurate and professional medical translation services.