Between two different languages
The other day, I was asked to write a draft for a patent application. My client invented a software, and want it to be patented. To make a patent application, there are patent lawyers who can handle many complicated paper works, including writing an application. So, he went to a patent lawyer, but he was told to come back again with a draft that describes his invention precisely. The lawyer said that his explanation was too vague and he couldn't figure out what he has to write in the application.
As a translator, I have translated several patent documents. He remembered it, and asked me to help him write down a draft. This was a strange assignment for me, either as a translator or an editor. But I accepted it for I thought it would be just like writing an article on an interview. He would tell me all about his invention, and I would write it down for the people, this time for the lawyer, to understand.
Usually, when I interview someone to make an article, I don't bring a tape recorder. It makes people nervous and makes me distracted. I tend to be careless on the conversation with a recorder because I know I will be able to check what has been said afterward, and this carelessness makes my question unfocused. I end up regretting that I should have asked more questions when I listen to the recording. I'd rather not to use those equipments, but stick on to the old fashioned pencil and papers.
I met my client twice on this project, and made up a report. It described his invention, but was never be a part of the patent application itself. Writing an application is a lawyer's business. I only made a document to clarify his idea for the lawyer to understand. I think I did a good job.
The lawyer argued if I was a co-inventor with my client after he read it. He thought I invented a part of the invention because he found in my document a new idea which he didn't notice before in the meeting with the inventor. But it was clear that I was not. I only wrote down what the inventor had said. The lawyer hadn't noticed what I noticed. It made the difference.
On my business card I gave him, I put my title as a translator. He told me that now he understood what I do. In a way, an inventor and a lawyer speak different language, or different dialects. He told me I translated between them.
As a translator, I have translated several patent documents. He remembered it, and asked me to help him write down a draft. This was a strange assignment for me, either as a translator or an editor. But I accepted it for I thought it would be just like writing an article on an interview. He would tell me all about his invention, and I would write it down for the people, this time for the lawyer, to understand.
Usually, when I interview someone to make an article, I don't bring a tape recorder. It makes people nervous and makes me distracted. I tend to be careless on the conversation with a recorder because I know I will be able to check what has been said afterward, and this carelessness makes my question unfocused. I end up regretting that I should have asked more questions when I listen to the recording. I'd rather not to use those equipments, but stick on to the old fashioned pencil and papers.
I met my client twice on this project, and made up a report. It described his invention, but was never be a part of the patent application itself. Writing an application is a lawyer's business. I only made a document to clarify his idea for the lawyer to understand. I think I did a good job.
The lawyer argued if I was a co-inventor with my client after he read it. He thought I invented a part of the invention because he found in my document a new idea which he didn't notice before in the meeting with the inventor. But it was clear that I was not. I only wrote down what the inventor had said. The lawyer hadn't noticed what I noticed. It made the difference.
On my business card I gave him, I put my title as a translator. He told me that now he understood what I do. In a way, an inventor and a lawyer speak different language, or different dialects. He told me I translated between them.
posted by Jun | 10:42 AM
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