ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)

Description

A61N encompasses therapeutic devices and methods employing electrical currents, magnetic fields, ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, and ultrasonic waves to treat medical conditions. This subclass covers electrodes and applicators for electrotherapy, diathermy equipment, neuromuscular stimulators, magnetic therapy apparatus, radiotherapy equipment including linear accelerators, and ultrasound therapy devices. The classification includes both the technical apparatus and the therapeutic techniques themselves, spanning applications from pain management and muscle rehabilitation to cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging-based interventions. Related veterinary applications and combined therapeutic modalities are also included within this broad subclass structure.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass A61N recorded 161,168 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 11,029 in 2013 to 13,204 in 2023 (+20%), peaking at 17,408 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class A61 are PHILIPS ELECTRONICS (20,621 applications), NOVARTIS (15,792 applications) and ROCHE (14,303 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings