English to European Portuguese vs. Brazilian Portuguese: Why Translation Costs Differ?

In the global race to protect intellectual property (IP), translating patents accurately is a critical step for businesses expanding into Portuguese-speaking markets like Brazil and Portugal. With over 279 million native Portuguese speakers worldwide, the language ranks as the sixth most spoken globally, but it’s not a single, uniform tongue. European Portuguese (PT-PT), used in Portugal and parts of Africa, and Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR), spoken in Brazil, differ in vocabulary, grammar, and legal terminology. These differences, combined with distinct regulatory requirements, drive up the cost of patent translations from English to these variants. This article explores why these costs vary, offering insights into linguistic, legal, and practical factors, and provides strategies to manage expenses effectively.

Linguistic Differences

European and Brazilian Portuguese, while mutually intelligible, have evolved separately due to historical and cultural influences, creating challenges for patent translation.

Vocabulary Variations: Words often differ between the two variants. For example, “train” is “comboio” in European Portuguese but “trem” in Brazilian Portuguese. In patents, technical terms like “semiconductor” (semicondutor in both) may have context-specific phrasing that varies by region. Legal terms, such as “claim” (reivindicação), might use different surrounding language, requiring translators to adapt to regional preferences.

Grammar and Syntax: Brazilian Portuguese frequently uses the gerund for progressive actions (e.g., “estou comendo” for “I am eating”), while European Portuguese prefers the infinitive (e.g., “estou a comer”). In patent documents, these differences affect how processes or inventions are described, demanding precision to avoid misinterpretation.

Formality and Style: European Portuguese is generally more formal, while Brazilian Portuguese is more relaxed. Patent translations, which require formal and precise language, must align with the target variant’s conventions to meet legal standards.

These linguistic nuances mean translators must specialize in the target variant, increasing costs due to the scarcity of qualified professionals fluent in both English and the specific Portuguese dialect, as well as patent law.

Legal and Regulatory Differences

The legal frameworks for patent filings in Brazil and Portugal further complicate translations, contributing to cost disparities.

Patent Office Requirements: The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) and the Portuguese Patent and Trademark Office (INPI Portugal) have distinct guidelines. Brazil’s INPI often requires detailed translations of claims and specifications, while Portugal’s INPI may emphasize standardized legal phrasing. These differences necessitate tailored translations for each jurisdiction.

Legal Terminology: Patent documents rely on precise legal language to define the scope of protection. Terms like “prior art” (arte anterior) or “specification” (especificação) may have slight variations in usage or preferred phrasing between Brazil and Portugal. Errors in these terms can lead to rejected applications or legal disputes, requiring translators with expertise in regional legal standards.

Certification Needs: Many patent offices require certified translations, and the certification process can differ. In Brazil, certifications may involve notarization, adding costs, while Portugal’s requirements might be less stringent but still demand formal verification.

When patents are filed in both countries, businesses may need two separate translations or a single translation adapted for each market, both of which increase expenses due to additional time and expertise required.

Strategies to Manage Costs

Businesses can mitigate these costs through strategic planning and informed choices:

Target the Right Variant: Identify whether the patent targets Brazil, Portugal, or both. Focusing on one variant avoids unnecessary adaptation costs.

Partner with Expert Agencies: Choose agencies that offer translators skilled in both Portuguese variants and patent law, potentially providing volume discounts for frequent filers.

Use Translation Memory Tools: These tools store repeated phrases, common in patents, reducing costs by up to 20% for similar content across documents.

Plan Ahead: Scheduling translations early avoids rush fees, which can significantly inflate costs.

Translating patents from English to European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese involves navigating linguistic and legal complexities that drive up costs. Vocabulary and grammar differences require specialized translators, while distinct patent office requirements may necessitate separate or adapted translations. Additional expenses from certification, quality assurance, and urgency further contribute to cost disparities. Hence, by choosing the appropriate variant, partnering with experienced agencies, leveraging technology, and planning ahead, businesses can manage these costs while ensuring their IP is protected in Portuguese-speaking markets.

Navigating the complexities of patent translation between English and Portuguese variants? Artlangs Translation offers expert services tailored to both European and Brazilian Portuguese, ensuring your intellectual property is accurately and affordably protected in key markets. Contact us today for a seamless translation experience.