DERIVATIVES OF NATURAL MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (polysaccharides C08B; natural rubber C08C; natural resins or their derivatives C09F; bituminous materials C10)

Description

C08H covers chemical modifications and derivatives of naturally occurring macromolecules, including cellulose, starch, proteins, and polysaccharides obtained from plant or animal sources. This classification encompasses chemical reactions such as esterification, etherification, crosslinking, and substitution applied to natural polymers to alter their properties. Typical applications include modified cellulose products (acetates, ethers), chemically treated starches for industrial use, and protein-based materials with enhanced functionality. Adjacent classes C08B (polysaccharides) and C08G (synthetic macromolecular compounds) are distinguished by focusing on naturally derived starting materials rather than fully synthetic polymers or unmodified natural substances.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass C08H recorded 11,499 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 1,117 in 2013 to 815 in 2023 (-27%), peaking at 1,268 applications in 2016. The most active applicants in class C08 are LG CHEM (15,432 applications), DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES (14,214 applications) and BASF (BADISCHE ANILIN & SODA FABRIK) (11,155 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings