MECHANICAL WORKING OF CANE, CORK, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS

Description

Covers mechanical processing operations applied to cane, cork, and analogous fibrous or cellular plant materials, excluding wood which is addressed in other B27 subclasses. Encompasses cutting, splitting, bending, shaping, and surface treatment technologies specific to these materials' structural characteristics. Includes machinery and processes for manufacturing cane furniture, cork products, insulation materials, and decorative items. Excludes preservation or chemical treatment of these materials, which fall under broader B27 provisions.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B27J recorded 3,970 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 23 in 2013 to 233 in 2023 (+913%), peaking at 837 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class B27 are ROBERT BOSCH (868 applications), NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY (463 applications) and HOMAG (437 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings