INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES

Description

B29L is an indexing scheme that organizes patent documents in subclass B29 according to the specific end-products or articles made from plastics or plastic-state materials. Rather than classifying by processing method, B29L directs users to relevant prior art based on the final article type being manufactured—such as containers, films, pipes, or automotive components. This scheme functions as a navigational tool to help patent professionals locate existing patents related to particular plastic articles across the broader B29 processing technology classifications. It complements method-based classifications by providing product-focused access points within plastic working technologies.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B29L recorded 169,017 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 12,669 in 2013 to 10,917 in 2023 (-14%), peaking at 18,221 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class B29 are HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (4,167 applications), BOEING COMPANY (3,701 applications) and COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN (2,554 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings