Hi there, I’m Dean.
I’ve been a professional translator since 2013 and launched my freelance translation business in 2017. Since then I’ve translated, revised and edited over 7.3 million words for international IP attorneys, delivering high quality patent translations without missing a single deadline. (My friends also love that I’m always on time!)
Experience-led. Purpose-built. Naturally specialised.
To be honest, I never really planned to be a patent translator but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. It all started when I took an in-house job as a technical translator. I thought it would mean working in a whole range of fields but actually, it was all patents. I went from not knowing what a patent was to reading (A LOT), researching the tech and law, revising work from experienced translators, getting one-to-one feedback and mentoring, memorising style guides, and eventually even training new hires. I realised pretty quickly that it’s a challenge (especially when we know that patents can be revoked for a single word) but I thrive on cracking the puzzle and finding the perfect wording. I enjoy translating cutting-edge technology which drives innovation and gives me a glimpse into the future.
But honestly, my favourite part of running my own business? Looking after my clients. Solving problems. Reducing risk. Being their go-to freelance patent translator.
Because good work starts with the right values.
In every business decision, I’m guided by five key principles:
What you see is what you get: honesty and integrity
I always deliver what I promise, when I promise. I’ll always provide a fair quote with the most reasonable price and turnaround time possible.
Feel like my only client: high-level customer experience
I provide superb customer service. I’m always friendly, personable, approachable and flexible, and showcase my passion for both the translation industry and your work.
You can count on me: accountability
As a freelance patent translator, I am my business. I’m confident in my services and will always do my absolute best to exceed your needs and expectations.
Better when we’re together: partnership
I treat your business as if it were my own. Seeing you succeed is a mark of success for me.
Hitting the books: constant learning
I translate at the cutting edge of technology so I know how important it is to stay up to date with the latest developments. I continually seek out training opportunities to deepen my technical knowledge and hone my translation skills.
The kind of service which keeps clients coming back
I enjoy long-term relationships with my clients, including many who work with me regularly. They tell me it’s not just for my IP knowledge in these complex, innovation-heavy fields, or my track record of meeting deadlines, but just as importantly, for my professional and friendly approach.
In fact, some of my most regular clients have been working with me since the very beginning. I’m one of life’s helpers, love the intricacies of language and am never bored by new technology. I’m also a stickler for time keeping, always true to my word, and never happier than when learning something new. Turns out, that’s a pretty good recipe for a specialist patent translator. One of my clients at an IP law firm agrees:
Testimonial
The standard of Dean’s translation work is excellent and is delivered on time, with fast response to queries and a willingness to go the extra mile. All the qualities you want in a freelance patent translator.
Constant learning. Constant improving.
I spend a significant amount of time (132.6 hours on average) each year keeping up to date with the latest technologies, new developments in patent law and the ever changing translation industry. The fact I’m a qualified member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and currently serving as a board member, gives you the confidence that I’m a safe pair of hands in an unregulated profession. Some of my recent CPD events include:
- HBK Technology Days 2022, including Electric Vehicle Battery Modelling and Powertrain Testing
- Live streams of European Patent Office oral proceedings
- Electrical Engineering – Sensing, powering and controlling (University of Birmingham)
- Battery Storage: Understanding the Battery Revolution (InnoEnergy)
- Keep calm, and keep up: German to English translation in the technology sector (ITI)
- Identifying and dealing with source language interference (ITI)
- Cybersecurity: A Practical Introduction (which actually led me to revamp my own IT system so that your data is even better protected)
- Regular translation practice with other specialist translators to provide each other with practical feedback
I’m not just any freelance patent translator…
I’m an intermediate ballroom dancing, Bramley walking, reluctantly running, allotment gardening, strategic board game playing (occasionally winning), travelling freelance patent translator.
Want to see my latest insights as a freelance patent translator?
