Common English Mistakes in Patent Applications by Cantonese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing a Patent Application in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The invention is a verhighly innovative device that isvery useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be veryeasy to install andvery effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses averyn advanced technology that is very reliable and verycost-effective, making it averyn attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"We try to avoid overusing certain words, such as "very." I have left one instance of it. The rest is quite descriptive as it is."

The invention is a highly innovative device that is useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be easy to install and effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses an advanced technology that is very reliable and cost-effective, making it an attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

The invention is a very innovative device that is very useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be very easy to install and very effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses a very advanced technology that is very reliable and very cost-effective, making it a very attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

InFor the present invprojenction, we are inventing a new type of umbrella that can fold itself automatically. The umbrella ishavings a sensor that can detect rain and open by itself, which is very convenient for people who are busy. This invention is verhighly useful because it can save time and effort, and it is also very good forthe environment because it uses less material.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaks to sound more natural and native."

For the present project, we are inventing a new type of umbrella that can fold itself automatically. The umbrella has a sensor that can detect rain and open by itself, which is very convenient for people who are busy. This invention is highly useful because it can save time and effort, and is also very good for the environment because it uses less material.

In the present invention, we are inventing a new type of umbrella that can fold itself automatically. The umbrella is having a sensor that can detect rain and open by itself, which is very convenient for people who are busy. This invention is very useful because it can save time and effort, and it is also very good for environment because it uses less material.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')

The invention is related to a new type of battery that provides much power and havs gremanyt efficiency. This battery can be used in various devices, including smartphones and laptops, to ensurea longer usage time. The design incorporates several innovative features that enhance performance and reduce energy loss.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with singular/plural nouns and made a couple of other small changes. Nice job!"

The invention is related to a new type of battery that provides much power and has great efficiency. This battery can be used in various devices, including smartphones and laptops, to ensure a longer usage time. The design incorporates several innovative features that enhance performance and reduce energy loss.

The invention is related to a new type of battery that provide much power and have many efficiency. This battery can be used in various device, including smartphone and laptop, to ensure longer usage time. The design incorporate several innovative feature that enhance performance and reduce energy loss.