FOOTWEAR

Description

A43 covers the design, construction, and manufacturing of footwear articles worn on the human foot, including shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, and related foot coverings. This classification encompasses materials, fastening systems, soles, heels, uppers, and structural components of footwear, as well as manufacturing processes and machinery specific to shoe production. It excludes orthopedic devices and prosthetics (classified under A61), hosiery and stockings (A41), and specialized protective equipment beyond standard footwear design. The class extends to footwear accessories and finishing techniques integral to shoe manufacture and function.

Filing statistics

CPC A43 recorded 69,683 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 4,848 in 2013 to 4,247 in 2023 (-12%), peaking at 8,484 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class A43 are NIKE (4,108 applications), NIKE INNOVATE (3,339 applications) and NIKE INNOVATE (1,253 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings