Perspectives on machine translation of patent information

Abstract

A brief review of developments in using machine translation and/or machine assisted/aided translation forms a backdrop for an exploration of its applications in the processing of patent information. Particular reference is made to the message threads on this topic on the `patent information users group-Listserver' (PIUG-L), and to developments in this area by Derwent Information and other commercial organisations. The main language pairs referred to are Japanese into/from English and German into/from English. Some details about `free' web-based translation systems are also included.