Delivering innovative, quality translations for business and law
Blackline Translations Ltd. was founded in 2017 to deliver top-flight translations to ambitious actors in the intellectual property, legal and business space. Blackline is managed and operated by Kenneth McKerrow, M.A., CT, an ATA-certified German to English translator with 17 years of experience in the sector, the company’s mission is to leverage all available tools, resources and experience to produce the best-possible translations in order to drive client success.
Business is all about communication: within organizations, between organizations and from organizations to consumers, clients and the public. Each organization has its own rules and standards, whether it be powerful state agencies such as the US Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office, or simply corporations with their own internal style guide. More informally, English-language buyers of technical systems expect marketing copy to conform to their expectations - so they can get the information they need - in the format they expect - to make the most strategic decisions. Blackline masterfully crafts your translation to seamlessly situate your document in the correct register while also ensuring your words generate precisely the impact and results you desire. We work closely with you to ensure we meet your needs at all stages of the translation process.
Areas of Practice
PATENTS & IP Litigation
Patents form the backbone of intellectual property law around the world. Along with trademarks, utility models and copyright, patents are the documents that ensure legal and commercial protection for your valuable and hard-won inventions, products and works of art. Blackline specializes in delivering accurate and well-researched patent translations from German to English. All prior art, citations and patent family documents are examined for terminology, functional understanding and classifications. Moreover, years of experience in translating patent litigation briefs, settlements and judgments means Blackline is aware of and avoids the common pitfalls that leave (translated) patents open to attack.
MARKETING OF TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
“Made in Germany” stands for quality around the world. Hardly any other country produces close to the wealth of technical innovation and export products that leave Germany each year. Nevertheless, success along the road from product development to go-to-market in international markets is not guaranteed. Technical understanding of the product in relation to similar others is the first step; aligning the German marketing with the prevailing marketing strategies and tactics used in native English markets is the second; and finally, producing a compelling translation full of action words and clear user benefits. Outstanding R&D and product development deserve outstanding translations to drive impressive sales.
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
Whether inward or outward-facing, Blackline aims to be your trusted partner for all German to English business communications. From management presentations to new sales strategies, letters to shareholders, press releases and policy statements, RFPs to detailed functional specifications, Blackline brings years of experience in crafting precisely the right message in just the right register for the occasion.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Trade between nations necessitates relationships between foreign nationals and entities. Beyond balances of trade and customs duties there are people who need to understand one another. When this communication is free and open, smooth and skilled, goods arrive as expected and margins go the right way. When it’s halting and awkward, unclear and forced, synergies are lost and the business relationship ultimately fails to fully exploit its potential. Blackline cares about your success and believes in the wider potential of trade between nations to continue to enrich cultures while fostering peace and prosperity. Let’s be part of something bigger than just the bottom line. At Blackline Translations Ltd., we believe in your potential to achieve international success. Just ask how.
contracts
Contracts are like marriages: great ones are built on good faith, the ability to foresee potential misunderstandings and disagreements, and a robust framework for resolving issues that do arise. Whether a commercial lease, framework agreement governing purchases for a major corporation or an employment contract, Blackline has you covered. In-depth understanding of contract law in Germany and the US as well as Canada and the Commonwealth ensures your contracts are enforceable as well as accurate.
REGULATORY
Most businesses operate within some kind of regulatory framework. Some businesses, such as financial institutions, shipping companies, producers of medical devices and pharmaceuticals and those with products subject to import or export controls, operate in highly regulated environments. Whether seeking to penetrate foreign markets or simply to understand the regulatory landscape in German-speaking countries, Blackline is your reliable partner for understanding regulations as well as communicating and advancing your interests vis-a-vis regulators.
“Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world.”
Let's Chat.
Use the form below to contact us regarding your translation enquiry. Please be as detailed as possible. Include your industry along with any specific document requests. To help us best service your enquiry, we recommend that you first describe the context of your translation order. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.