CLEANING

Description

B08 encompasses apparatus and methods for removing unwanted substances (dirt, dust, contaminants, coatings) from surfaces, objects, or spaces through mechanical, chemical, thermal, or combined means. This class covers cleaning technologies ranging from manual tools and portable equipment to industrial systems, including surface cleaning, tank/vessel cleaning, and environmental decontamination applications. The class excludes specialized cleaning integral to specific manufacturing processes (classified in the relevant technology sections) and human body hygiene (classified under A61).

Filing statistics

CPC B08 recorded 210,638 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 1 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 6,498 in 2013 to 24,988 in 2023 (+285%), peaking at 32,580 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B08 are TOKYO ELECTRON (982 applications), SCREEN HOLDINGS (980 applications) and APPLIED MATERIALS (739 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings