Pricing Methods for Post-Machine Translation Editing in the Patent Field

In the patent translation field, the pricing methods for post-machine translation editing vary due to multiple factors. Here are some common pricing approaches:

1. Pricing Based on Word Count

This is the most widespread pricing method. Translation agencies calculate the fees based on the word count of the patent text after post-machine translation editing. Generally, a base price per thousand words is set. This price is lower than that of pure human translation but higher than the cost of simple machine translation.

2. Pricing Based on Editing Difficulty Levels

Light Editing: This mainly involves simple grammar corrections and terminology standardization, so the price is relatively low. For example, it may range from 80 to 120 yuan per thousand words.

Moderate Editing: This requires adjusting sentence structures and optimizing semantics. The price is moderate, typically between 120 and 180 yuan per thousand words.

Heavy Editing: This may involve extensive rewriting of the machine-translated results or even reorganizing the language structure to ensure the translation meets the professional and rigorous standards of patent texts. The price per thousand words can exceed 180 - 250 yuan.

3. Pricing Based on Time

For some patent projects where it's difficult to accurately estimate the word count or editing difficulty, translation agencies may opt for time-based pricing. They will record the time spent by translators on post-machine translation editing and calculate the fees based on the translator's hourly rate.

4. Pricing Based on the Entire Project

For certain specific patent translation projects, especially those that are complex and consist of multiple parts (such as patent specifications, claims, abstracts, etc.), translation agencies may conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the project as a whole and then provide a fixed price.

Patent Translation Prices

English Translation:

Chinese to Foreign Language: The price ranges from 220 to 400 yuan per thousand words.

Foreign Language to Chinese: It's around 170 to 300 yuan per thousand words.

Japanese and Korean Translation:

Chinese to Foreign Language: The price is uniformly 240 to 450 yuan per thousand words for both languages.

Foreign Language to Chinese: It's 180 to 350 yuan per thousand words.

German, French, and Russian Translation:

Chinese to Foreign Language: The price is uniformly 320 to 500 yuan per thousand words for these three languages.

Foreign Language to Chinese: It's 280 to 400 yuan per thousand words.

Spanish Translation:

Chinese to Foreign Language: The price is slightly higher, ranging from 360 to 550 yuan per thousand words.

Foreign Language to Chinese: It's 320 to 450 yuan per thousand words.

Key Factors Affecting Prices

Language and Quality Level: Different languages and translation quality levels directly lead to variations in translation fees. For example, in Chinese-to-English translation, the price for the standard level is 170 - 200 yuan per thousand words, for the professional level, it's 210 - 260 yuan per thousand words, and for the publication level, it can be as high as 310 - 500 yuan per thousand words.

Translator's Qualifications: The translator's qualifications and experience are also important factors determining the translation fees. Mid-level translators are usually suitable for translating general technical and business documents. Senior translators can handle more demanding professional fields, while expert translators specialize in accurately translating highly difficult and technical documents.

Patent Type: Different types of patents have different charging standards due to variations in the complexity and professionalism of their content. For instance, biopharmaceutical patents, because of their high level of specialization, usually have higher translation fees, possibly ranging from 230 to 550 yuan per thousand words.