SADDLES; STIRRUPS

Description

B68C covers the design, construction, and manufacture of saddles and stirrups used in equestrian applications. This includes saddle structures (tree, panels, seat surfaces), attachment systems, and materials, as well as stirrup designs for mounting and foot support. The classification encompasses both traditional and specialized saddle types (English, Western, pack saddles) and their component parts, excluding related items such as bridles, bits, and general equine harnesses which fall under adjacent classifications.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B68C recorded 1,087 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 104 in 2013 to 70 in 2023 (-33%), peaking at 134 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class B68 are L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY (106 applications), YOSHIDA KOGYO (91 applications) and TACHI S COMPANY (74 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings