PRINTING PLATES OR FOILS (photosensitive material G03); MATERIALS FOR SURFACES USED IN PRINTING MACHINES FOR PRINTING, INKING, DAMPING, OR THE LIKE; PREPARING SUCH SURFACES FOR USE AND CONSERVING THEM

Description

B41N encompasses printing plates, foils, and specialized surface materials used in printing machinery, covering lithographic stones, metallic plates, photopolymer surfaces, and rubber rollers designed for printing, inking, damping, or related functions. This class includes methods for preparing these surfaces (such as graining, coating, or chemical treatment) and their conservation or maintenance to preserve functionality. The scope extends to materials selection, composition specifications, and surface modification techniques that enhance performance in offset, relief, or intaglio printing processes. Adjacent classes address printing machinery design itself (B41F) and typewriter mechanisms (B41K), whereas B41N focuses specifically on the substrate and interface components.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B41N recorded 4,666 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 597 in 2013 to 192 in 2023 (-68%). The most active applicants in class B41 are SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION (8,446 applications), SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION (8,438 applications) and HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (7,828 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings