Terms of service

Focus Interpreting provides on-site, phone, and video remote interpreting, American Sign Language interpreting, document, website, software, and multimedia translation, transcription, ADA document remediation, desktop publishing, and related language services in over 120 languages.

Interpreting is delivered by certified, professional linguists who act as impartial third parties and convey the meaning of what is said without adding, omitting, or advising. Translation and transcription deliverables are prepared by qualified linguists and reviewed for accuracy before delivery. We may decline or reassign work that falls outside our expertise or that would require a linguist to act unethically.

Quotes are prepared from the information you provide, including language pair, subject matter, volume, format, location, and turnaround. A quote becomes a binding order when you confirm it in writing or by booking through our scheduler. If the scope changes after confirmation, for example additional pages, longer assignments, or a different language, we will tell you before proceeding and adjust the price accordingly.

Quotes are valid for the period stated on the quote. Rush, after-hours, weekend, and holiday work may be subject to additional charges that will be disclosed in advance.

On-site interpreters are scheduled for a minimum booking period and are required to arrive 15 minutes before the assignment start time. Assignments that run beyond the booked time are billed in increments at the agreed rate. If the interpreter arrives and the assignment does not proceed for reasons outside our control, including no-shows, late cancellations, or the party requiring interpreting not being present, the booked time remains payable.

Cancellations and reschedules must be made in writing to your project coordinator. Cancellations made with the notice period stated in your quote or agreement are not charged. Cancellations made with less notice may be billed for the booked time and any non-refundable travel arranged for the assignment. Phone and video remote interpreting sessions are billed from connection and may carry a shorter minimum.

We make every effort to fill confirmed assignments. If we are unable to provide an interpreter for a confirmed booking, we will notify you as early as possible and you will not be charged for that assignment.

Turnaround times are agreed at the time of the order and begin when we receive the complete source material and any reference files, glossaries, or instructions. Delays in providing source material or approvals may extend the delivery date.

Please review deliverables promptly. If you believe a deliverable contains an error, notify us within the review period stated in your quote and we will correct it at no charge. Changes to the source content after delivery, stylistic preferences, and revisions requested outside the review period are treated as new work.

Certified translations are delivered with a signed certificate of accuracy. Third-party services requested alongside a translation are quoted separately.

Invoices are issued on completion of the service or on the billing cycle agreed in your account terms and are payable by the due date shown on the invoice. New clients may be asked to pay a deposit or to pay in advance for the first order. Accepted payment methods are stated on your invoice.

Overdue balances may accrue interest at the lesser of the rate stated on the invoice or the maximum permitted by law, and we may suspend scheduled services until the account is current. You are responsible for reasonable costs of collection, including attorney fees, where permitted by law. Prices do not include applicable sales or use taxes unless stated.

Everything you share with us for an assignment is held in the strictest confidence. We adhere to the American Translators Association Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, and every linguist in our network signs a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before receiving any client material.

Where we handle protected health information, we do so under a business associate agreement and in accordance with HIPAA. We will sign reasonable client confidentiality agreements on request, and we will not use your materials for any purpose other than delivering the service without your written permission.

You agree to provide accurate information about the assignment, legible and complete source material, a safe working environment for on-site interpreters, and reasonable access to the technology needed for remote sessions. You confirm that you have the right to share the material you send us and that it does not infringe the rights of any third party.

Interpreters may take short breaks during long assignments, and assignments lasting more than a few hours may require a team of two interpreters, which will be discussed when you book.

You retain all rights in the source materials you provide. On receipt of full payment, ownership of the translated, transcribed, or remediated deliverable transfers to you, and you may use it without restriction. Until payment is received, Focus Interpreting retains ownership of the deliverable and grants you a limited right to review it.

We retain ownership of our methods, glossaries, translation memories, templates, software, and the patented Focus VRI mobile application, and no rights in them are transferred by these terms. The content of this website, including text, graphics, and logos, belongs to Focus Interpreting or its licensors and may not be reproduced without permission.

You may use this website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to interfere with its operation, attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of it or to the scheduling and interpreter portals we link to, or use automated tools to copy its content. Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement; we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

We warrant that services will be performed with the skill and care expected of a professional language services provider and by linguists qualified for the assignment. Except as expressly stated in these terms, the services and this website are provided without other warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Interpreting conveys meaning between languages in real time; it is not legal, medical, or financial advice, and it does not guarantee any particular outcome of a proceeding, consultation, or negotiation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the total liability of Focus Interpreting, its officers, employees, and linguists for any claim arising out of or relating to the services or this website is limited to the amount you paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim. In no event will we be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including lost profits or business interruption, even if advised of their possibility.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded by law. Any claim must be brought within one year after it arises.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Focus Interpreting and its linguists from claims, losses, and expenses arising from your breach of these terms, your use of a deliverable in violation of law, or material you provide that infringes the rights of a third party.

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules. Before starting any legal proceeding, the parties agree to try in good faith to resolve the dispute through direct discussion. Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally will be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in San Bernardino County, California, and each party consents to their jurisdiction.

If any provision of these terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. Our failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver of it. You may not assign these terms without our written consent. We may update these terms from time to time; the revision date at the top of this page shows when they last changed, and continued use of our services after a change constitutes acceptance.

Questions about these terms can be sent to info@focusinterpreting.com or by phone to 800-374-5444.