CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES

Description

A24D covers the structural design, composition, and manufacturing processes of cigars and cigarettes, including the formulation of tobacco blends, wrapper materials, and construction methods. This classification encompasses tobacco smoke filters and mouthpieces used in smoking products, addressing their materials (such as cellulose acetate or activated carbon), design configurations, and attachment mechanisms. The subclass includes innovations in the production equipment and techniques for manufacturing filters and mouthpieces as distinct components or as integrated features of smoking articles. Related innovations in simulated smoking devices and general smokers' requisites are classified elsewhere within A24.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass A24D recorded 31,589 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 1,932 in 2013 to 2,724 in 2023 (+41%), peaking at 3,992 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class A24 are PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS (13,994 applications), NICOVENTURES TRADING (7,744 applications) and KT & G CORPORATION (4,857 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings