Budgeting for Multinational Patents: English→Portuguese Translation Cost Breakdown by Country

In today’s interconnected global economy, safeguarding intellectual property across borders is a priority for businesses aiming to expand their market presence. A key component of this process is translating patent applications into the official language of the target country. For companies targeting Portuguese-speaking nations such as Brazil and Portugal, understanding the costs of translating patents from English to Portuguese is essential for effective financial planning. This article provides a detailed breakdown of these costs, focusing on the factors influencing expenses and the specific requirements of each country.

Factors Influencing Patent Translation Costs

The cost of translating a patent application is shaped by several key factors:

Industry and Complexity: Patents in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals or engineering demand translators with deep technical expertise. For instance, pharmaceutical patents often include complex descriptions of clinical trials and regulatory data, which require precise terminology, increasing translation costs. Engineering patents, while still technical, may have a broader pool of qualified translators, potentially lowering rates slightly.

Word Count: Translation services typically charge per word, so the length of the patent directly impacts the cost. According to Park IP Translations, the average English-language Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application is approximately 9,400 words, though this varies by industry. For example, pharmaceutical patents may average 18,400 words, while engineering patents are closer to 6,350 words.

Country-Specific Requirements: Each country has unique requirements for patent translations. Brazil mandates sworn translations, which involve certified translators, while Portugal requires translations to be overseen by accredited agents. These requirements can significantly affect costs due to additional certification or oversight fees.

Translation Costs for Brazil

In Brazil, the Brazilian Patent Office (INPI) requires all patent applications to be submitted in Portuguese. For foreign applicants, this necessitates translating the entire patent document, including the specification, claims, and abstract, from English to Portuguese. Moreover, Brazil stipulates that these translations must be sworn translations (tradução juramentada), performed by a certified public translator authorized by the Commercial Registry (Junta Comercial) of their state. This certification ensures the translation’s legal validity for official use.

Sworn translations are generally more expensive due to the specialized nature of the certification process. Based on industry data from Artlangs, translation rates for patents typically range from $0.25 to $0.35 per word, but for sworn translations in Brazil, costs are likely at the higher end or slightly above, approximately $0.30 to $0.40 per word. For a typical patent application of 10,000 words, the translation cost would range from $3,000 to $4,000.

The requirement for sworn translators, who must pass rigorous examinations and are regulated by state authorities, adds to the cost. Additionally, the technical nature of patent documents, especially in fields like pharmaceuticals, may push rates toward the higher end of this range.

Translation Costs for Portugal

In Portugal, patent applications can be filed directly with the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) or through the European Patent Office (EPO) for European patents. For EPO-granted patents, validation in Portugal requires a full translation of the patent specification into Portuguese, as outlined by the EPO. Unlike Brazil, Portugal does not require sworn translations; however, the translation must be performed under the responsibility of an official industrial property agent or a representative accredited by the INPI, ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Translation costs in Portugal are generally slightly lower than in Brazil due to the absence of a sworn translation requirement. Industry estimates suggest rates of $0.25 to $0.35 per word for patent translations. For a 10,000-word patent, this translates to a cost of $2,500 to $3,500. The involvement of an accredited agent may add a small administrative fee, but this is typically less costly than Brazil’s certification process.

Considerations for Other Portuguese-Speaking Countries

While Brazil and Portugal are the primary markets for patent filings due to their economic significance, other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Angola, may also require translations for patent applications. For instance, Angola’s Industrial Property Law mandates Portuguese translations of the patent description, claims, and abstract, as noted by Proxario. The costs in these countries are likely similar to those in Portugal, ranging from $0.25 to $0.35 per word, though local requirements, such as notarization, may add minor fees. Given the smaller patent markets in these regions, most companies prioritize Brazil and Portugal for their filings.

Budgeting for patent translations is a critical aspect of securing intellectual property rights in Portuguese-speaking countries. By understanding the factors driving costs—industry complexity, word count, and country-specific requirements—businesses can make informed decisions to protect their innovations efficiently. Brazil’s sworn translation requirement and Portugal’s need for accredited agent oversight highlight the importance of tailoring translations to each country’s legal standards.

For professional and reliable patent translation services, Artlangs Translation offers specialized expertise in English to Portuguese translations. Contact us for more information!