B81 MICROSTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY
Description
B81 covers the design, manufacture, and manipulation of structures and devices at microscopic and submicroscopic scales, typically involving dimensions in the micrometer to nanometer range. This includes micromechanical systems (MEMS), microelectromechanical systems (NEMS), and related fabrication techniques such as lithography, etching, and deposition processes used to create miniaturized mechanical, optical, and electronic components. The classification encompasses both the production methods and the resulting microstructures used in sensors, actuators, and other functional micro-scale devices across diverse applications.
Filing statistics
CPC B81 recorded 52,028 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 4,406 in 2013 to 3,971 in 2023 (-10%), peaking at 5,335 applications in 2016. The most active applicants in class B81 are ROBERT BOSCH (1,976 applications), TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY (788 applications) and INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES (759 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
2 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- B81B MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICROMECHANICAL DEVICES (piezoelectric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements per se H10N30/00)
- B81C PROCESSES OR APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS (making microcapsules or microballoons B01J13/02; processes or apparatus peculiar to the manufacture or treatment of piezoelectric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive element per se H10N30/01)
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- ROBERT BOSCH DE 1,976
- TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY TW 788
- INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES DE 759
- CEA (COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE) FR 555
- STMICROELECTRONICS IT 526
- INVENSENSE US 430
- MURATA MANUFACTURING COMPANY JP 418
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 338
- CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 338
- FRAUNHOFER DE 297