APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY;

Description

C12M covers equipment and apparatus specifically designed for enzymatic reactions, microbial cultivation, and related biochemical processes. This includes bioreactors, fermentation vessels, cell culture systems, and specialized laboratory apparatus for handling enzymes and microorganisms under controlled conditions. The classification encompasses apparatus for both research and industrial-scale applications, spanning sterile handling equipment, incubation chambers, and monitoring/control systems integral to biochemical operations. Related apparatus for genetic engineering or mutation processes falls within this subclass when the focus is on the physical equipment rather than the methods themselves.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass C12M recorded 87,157 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 4,793 in 2013 to 8,143 in 2023 (+70%), peaking at 9,932 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class C12 are HARVARD UNIVERSITY (8,321 applications), CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (7,486 applications) and UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (7,320 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings