Intellectual Property
From 2020 to 2023, errors in patents issued by the USPTO have decreased by 11%. This excellent result is likely due to the implementation of new and improved machine learning technologies supporting professionals.
USPTO is the patent and trademark office of the United States, the administrative body responsible for issuing patents and trademarks filed in the USA. It is considered one of the most significant patent offices internationally, particularly due to the economic size of the U.S. market.
As reported in Jeff O’Neill’s contribution to IPWatchdog – the renowned online portal that has become a cornerstone in the field of international intellectual property – a significant decrease in errors within patent applications filed in the United States has been recorded over the last four years.
O’Neill specializes in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the fields of machine learning, deep neural networks, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing.
From his recent publication, it is evident that this decline is most likely due to improvements in the technologies implemented in the patent drafting process, aimed at simplifying and automating many tasks traditionally performed by professionals. Just as in the field of translation, it is through the synergy between industry experts and technological innovation that the highest quality standards can be achieved.
Patent Errors and Percentage Data
Delving deeper, the errors examined within US patents were of three different types:
- Numbering Errors;
- Antecedent Basis Errors;
- Word Support Errors.
The first type primarily concerns the reference numerals used within the patent application, particularly in relation to the methods cited and the claims indicated therein.
The antecedent basic errors, on the other hand, concern the precise use of definite and indefinite articles in various sections of the patent. Specifically, when a new term is introduced in the text, it should be preceded by an indefinite article. Conversely, when the same term is repeated within the document, the definite article should be used to uniquely identify it.
Certainly, it is understandable that to an external observer these errors might seem insignificant, but it is important to remember that the world of intellectual property, especially patent drafting and translation, requires professionals to exercise utmost attention and precision. This is to avoid misunderstandings within highly complex texts with significant legal implications.
Related: Errors in Patent Translation: Consequences and Solutions
Lastly, the third type of error encompasses terminological inaccuracies. These occur when terms or synonyms present in the claims are entirely absent from the section dedicated to the detailed description of the invention. This terminological misalignment could once again lead to misunderstandings and uncertainties regarding the concepts outlined in the application, potentially resulting in rejection by the authority responsible for patent issuance.
In line with the above, at ASTW, we collaborate with the finest Patent Attorneys and Technical Writers experienced in intellectual property, supported in their work by cutting-edge technological resources. To learn more about our services dedicated to intellectual property, click on the respective links below:
Patent translation – Patent Drafting
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