6.1.16 Assistance with Foreign Languages

Also in this Chapter:

• 6.1.1 Procedural Outline - PCT International Search

• 6.1.2 Introduction - International Searching​​​​​​​

• 6.1.3 Search Allocation and Preliminary Classification
• 6.1.4 Unity of Invention
• 6.1.5 Abstract and Title
• 6.1.6 Subjects to be Excluded from the Search
• 6.1.7 Claim Interpretation, Broad Claims, PCT Articles 5 and 6​​​​​​​
• 6.1.8 Search Strategy
• 6.1.9 Basis of the Search
• 6.1.10 Non-Patent Literature
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​6.1.11 Search Procedure
• 6.1.12 Search Report and Notification Form Completion
• 6.1.13 Reissued, Amended or Corrected ISRs and ISOs
• 6.1.14 Priority Document
• 6.1.15 Foreign Patent Search Aids and Documentation
• 6.1.17 Rule 91 Obvious Mistakes in Documents
• 6.1.18 Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Listings
• 6.1.19 Annexes

Related Chapters:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​6.9.5 Examiners with Foreign Language Capabilities​​​​​​​

The accuracy of online Machine translation services (such as Google Translate) have improved substantially and are often sufficient enough when dealing with Foreign Language documents. However where a machine translation is inadequate or the search examiner requires further assistance with a foreign language, they can consult the list of foreign language translators and the services of a suitable examiner.

Whilst as many as three examiners will often be involved in the conduct of any one search, only one examiner - the person whose normal duties cover the technical area of the search - will have the immediate responsibility for both the conduct of the search and the indicating of the special categories of cited documents.

It may on occasions be possible for a search examiner with no foreign language capability to nevertheless perform a preliminary culling of relevant material on the basis of drawings or formulae. Where possible this should be done before foreign language documents are given to foreign language translators.

It is the search examiner's duty to inform the foreign language translator of the nature of the invention and to indicate to them the nature and scope of the search. Copies of the written search statement and/or copies of the broadest claim(s) should be provided to the foreign language translator. It is not expected that these translators should be required to determine this information, since apart from duplication of effort there is a danger of inconsistency.