BOOKBINDING (cutting or perforating machines, devices or tools B26; folding sheets or webs B31F; ornamenting books B44)

Description

B42C covers machines, apparatus, and processes for binding books and similar documents, including stitching, sewing, gluing, and casing operations. This subclass encompasses equipment for collating sheets, folding signatures, assembling gathered sections, and attaching covers to form bound volumes. It includes both manual and automated bookbinding machinery, as well as techniques for reinforcing spines and edges. Related finishing operations such as trimming and edge decoration are included when integral to the binding process.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B42C recorded 3,446 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 434 in 2013 to 183 in 2023 (-58%). The most active applicants in class B42 are SICPA HOLDING (1,317 applications), GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY (949 applications) and BUNDESDRUCKEREI (881 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

11 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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B42C 1/00 Collating or gathering sheets combined with processes for permanently attaching together sheets or signatures or for interposing inserts (collating or gathering sheets or signatures without permanently attaching them together B65H39/00)
B42C 11/00 Casing-in
B42C 13/00 Bookbinding presses (general features of presses B30B); Joint-creasing equipment for bookbinding; Drying or setting devices for books
B42C 15/00 Jacketing books
B42C 17/00 Rebinding books
B42C 19/00 Multi-step processes for making books
B42C 3/00 Making booklets, pads, or form sets from multiple webs
B42C 5/00 Preparing the edges or backs of leaves or signatures for binding
B42C 7/00 Manufacturing bookbinding cases or covers of loose-leaf binders (book covers B42D3/00)
B42C 9/00 Applying glue or adhesive peculiar to bookbinding
B42C 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B42, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

SICPA HOLDING CH 1,317
GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY DE 949
BUNDESDRUCKEREI DE 881
DE LA RUE INTERNATIONAL GB 870
TOPPAN PRINTING COMPANY JP 455
G&D (GIESECKE & DEVRIENT) DE 421
CCL SECURE AU 343
OVD KINEGRAM CH 308
OBERTHUR FIDUCIAIRE FR 251
CRANE COMPANY US 204