Medical translation in the medical devices and patents industry
The medical devices and patents industry is witnessing rapid growth in the global post-pandemic landscape. As businesses strive to extend their presence into new markets, specialised translation has become a pivotal player.
In this article, we will uncover the essential role of medical translation in the realms of medical devices and patents, demonstrating how this expertise is crucial for ensuring safety, effectiveness and successful marketing of such products.
The key role of medical translation
Medical translation is essential for effective communication among manufacturers, healthcare professionals and patients. In the field of medical devices, where precision and specific terminology are paramount, accurate translation guarantees that all information regarding devices or patents is conveyed correctly and comprehensibly.
It’s crucial to recognise that the commercialisation of medical devices or the patent registration process entail intricate bureaucratic procedures and demand specialised expertise for successful execution. The translator plays a key role, acting as an intermediary who not only understands the target audience and market but also possesses mastery of the lexicon and terminology used by entities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the European Patent Office (EPO).
What is medical translation and why does it matter?
Medical translation encompasses the translation of documents within the health sector. Medicine and pharmacology is one of the most responsible sectors and given the high stakes involved, the content generated within this industry requires careful and meticulous review to prevent errors and ensure accuracy.
Translating the vast and intricate documentation from this sector into other languages is far more than a word-for-word endeavour. It requires preserving the essence of the original text, seeing precise equivalents, all while consistently adhering to the scientific and technical terminology.
When it comes to documents related to medical devices, the medical translator handles texts like user manuals, technical guides and product labels. These file types demand unwavering terminological precision, ensuring that the content is tailored for the intended audience.
A minor error can have very serious consequences, which is why specialisation is essential in this field.
A flawed translation could directly jeopardise the safety of individuals and the effectiveness of medical devices.How translation impacts the safety and effectiveness of medical devices
Imagine a situation where the user instructions for a medical device are translated inaccurately. The misuse of this device by healthcare professionals could pose risks to both the patient and the medical staff. Hiring a translation professional specialised in this field not only ensures positive outcomes for international documentation submissions but also serves as an additional safety assurance for the device and its patent.
Moreover, when it comes to user instructions for a medical device, we suggest incorporating a back translation. This involves another linguist, a native speaker of the target language, translating the text back into the original language. What for? It provides a unique perspective from someone who hasn’t seen the original document, helping to uncover potential comprehension or meaning issues that might have been overlooked.
The original translator (or reviewer, as the case may be) is responsible for comparing the original document and the back translation (both in the source language) to identify potential errors, incorrect interpretations or areas of confusion. The objective is to fine-tune the translation to ensure accurate comprehension and precision in the target language.
The role of translation in developing and commercialising medical device patents
Translation also plays a key role in the process of acquiring patents for medical devices. Patents, being legal documents safeguarding inventions, require precise translation to ensure the validity and effective protection of intellectual property rights across various jurisdictions.
Keep in mind that there are translation experts specialised in this field. Besides considering their language combinations, it’s crucial to find a profile with expertise in both medical and scientific domains, along with legal knowledge.
How translation impacts the patent acquisition process in the medical sector
Translating medical device patents is a complex task requiring a meticulous approach. A translation error could lead to a misinterpretation of the invention’s scope and innovation, potentially compromising its legal protection and increasing vulnerability in terms of intellectual property.
Both linguistic and technical precision are essential to overcome language barriers and facilitate effective communication between patent applicants and relevant authorities.
The importance of precise translation of medical device patents
Precision is a vital trait in all translation domains, but it becomes paramount in translating medical devices patents. In this specialised field, it’s crucial to avoid ambiguities, omissions and contradictions.
Every technical term must be translated with accuracy and consistency, ensuring the document maintains its coherence and leaves no room for misinterpretations.
Even a minor lack of precision in translating documentation for medical device patents can result in delays in the marketing approval process from international agencies or, in more severe cases, lead to legal disputes.
It is likely that for the processing of patents and marketing licenses in other countries, you may need to submit sworn translations of certificates issued by the Ministry of Health. Please note that Overseas Translations offers sworn translation services in numerous languages. Further details can be found on our website here.
Examples of issues arising from inaccurate translation in medical device patents
As demonstrated, poor translation in medical device patents can have severe consequences. From errors in technical descriptions to incorrect interpretations of claims, any imprecision can jeopardise the protection of the invention and adversely affect its market presence and sales performance.
Investing in professional and specialised translation services is a crucial measure to prevent costly issues and ensure proper protection of the intellectual property of medical devices. It can prove to be a highly profitable investment to avoid unwanted expenses in the long run.
The role of medical translators in translating medical devices and patents
Medical translators possess a highly specialised skill set. Beyond linguistic proficiency, they must possess in-depth knowledge of the medical and technical terminology prevalent in the industry, along with a keen understanding of the specific regulatory frameworks in each country.
So who are medical translators and what skills do they need?
Medical translators are skilled professionals specialised in translating medical and technical documents. Their expertise in medical terminology, regulations and industry standards as well as their ability to research and stay current is crucial for delivering accurate and high-quality translation services.
Medical translators exemplify linguistic expertise coupled with a profound understanding of terminology intricacies. Possessing a robust foundation in science and technology, they adeptly decode source texts, crafting meticulously articulated renditions in the target language. They frequently refer to the terminology databases of the European Medicines Agency and utilise various published templates to ensure precision and alignment with the specific requirements of the document type and target audience.
At Overseas Translations, all our translators are accredited under ISO 17100 standard. They must meet the stringent criteria outlined by this standard concerning their education, years of experience and continuous evaluation of delivered projects. Consequently, their level of expertise and our internal feedback serve as endorsements of the quality of their work, allowing us to consistently fulfil the exacting demands of our clients.
The importance of hiring a specialised medical translator for medical devices and patents
As discussed earlier, the realm of medical translation is defined by intricacy and specific requirements. This is precisely why specialisation becomes a crucial prerequisite when seeking a translation service of this nature.
Beyond their expertise in medical and scientific texts, medical translators are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the linguistic and technical challenges inherent in translation within this domain. Their commitment to ongoing training in their technical specialty ensures they stay abreast of the latest advancements, providing a dynamic and up-to-date approach to their work.
At Overseas Translations, our commitment lies in providing excellent scientific-technical translation services within the realm of medical devices and patents. We ensure that these tasks are entrusted to experienced translators who are highly specialised and thoroughly evaluated for their experience, domain knowledge, relevant certifications and adaptability to the unique demands of each project.
Professional translations have the potential to enhance the value of a product or service across various domains. Nevertheless, when it comes to medical translation, possessing a professional linguistic profile is nearly indispensable to ensure compliance with international regulations.
As Seneca the Younger said “The physician cannot prescribe by letter, he must feel the pulse”. Well, in the 21st century, advancements in medical technologies and the translation of medical devices and patents have reached a point where a surgeon can supervise an operation hundreds of kilometres away from the operating theatre. At Overseas Translations we are always on hand for medical translation services into English, Spanish, French, German or any other language you require to enter a new market. Take your global expansion into your own hands.
