Lost in translation? – A review of the post–grant requirements for translation of patent specifications in Europe

This article considers the various mechanisms by which granted patent rights, and their supporting disclosures, have been made available in local languages throughout Europe over the past several decades. It considers the legal background to the development of different translation requirements at different points in time, and how this has affected the burden upon the patent owner in maintaining their patent rights in force. It highlights the sources for obtaining translated documents, and how this process will change again if the EU's Regulations on granting unitary effect commence operation later this decade.