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Google To Translate European Patents

An anonymous reader writes "Internet search company Google Inc on Tuesday said it has signed a deal with the European Patent Office (EPO) to use the company's technology to translate patents into 29 European languages that will pave the way for a simplified European patent system. Google's deal, which comes after years of infighting, is expected to make it easier for inventors and scientists from across the continent to access information on patents with the EPO that has 38 member countries."

10 of 53 comments (clear)

  1. Simple? by 2phar · · Score: 2

    The EU requirement to translate all its business into every language of every member state isn't something that makes me think simplicity!

  2. Some background data by geegel · · Score: 3, Informative

    The official EPO release: link

    The EU Commission policy that started it all: link

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    right...
    1. Re:Some background data by sakdoctor · · Score: 2

      Patent 1010101

      Dear Aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all, and method for manufacturing same.

  3. Clear language in patents? by thijsh · · Score: 3, Insightful

    They will inevitably end up with mistranslations like 'computer chips' that become 'las papas fritas con sal de la computadora'. I wonder if they can uphold a patent with these kinds of errors...

    1. Re:Clear language in patents? by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I know not what talking about you are. Google with the translating has made vast improvements for world of many people! With increase moving of language between many person, the communicate of patent information is as clear as water in a London river!

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      Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
  4. Good luck with that... by Ecuador · · Score: 2

    It is not easy for me to follow my company's patents when they deal with technologies we use and I am familiar with. I am sure automatically translated versions would be pretty much incomprehensible.

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    Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
  5. Riiiight... by Timmmm · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I wonder if they can translate US patents into English...

    1. Re:Riiiight... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      I wonder if they can translate US patents into English...

      Sure, they'll just add the letter 'u' to the word "color".

  6. Google Inc by fremsley471 · · Score: 2

    Christ, I know it's futile to complain about the summaries, but "Internet search company Google Inc"! Glad I wasn't confused by all the other Googles out there. Any article that feels it has to explain who Google are doesn't really improve the SNR here. Huge chunks of the 7 billion people on this planet won't know what Google do, but they're unlikely to be getting their news online.

  7. Not A Member by andersh · · Score: 2

    The Vatican is not a member of the European Union.

    Only member nations' languages are official.

    The European Union is not synonymous with the continent of Europe.