INORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C; FERTILISERS PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE

Description

C05D covers inorganic fertilizers that fall outside the scope of other C05 subclasses (such as nitrogen, phosphate, or potassium-based fertilizers with specific compositions), including formulations and manufacturing processes for these residual fertilizer types. This subclass specifically encompasses fertilizers that generate carbon dioxide as a functional component or byproduct, such as urea-based products and certain mineral amendments that release CO₂ during application or storage. The classification addresses both standalone inorganic fertilizer compositions not adequately covered elsewhere and combined fertilizer products designed to provide agronomic benefits through CO₂ generation. Manufacturing methods, handling, and formulation techniques for these specialized inorganic fertilizers are also included within this subclass.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass C05D recorded 22,728 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 638 in 2013 to 1,067 in 2023 (+67%), peaking at 4,473 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class C05 are CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (654 applications), BASF (BADISCHE ANILIN & SODA FABRIK) (452 applications) and YARA INTERNATIONAL (434 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings