INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES C12C - C12Q, RELATING TO MICROORGANISMS

Description

C12R is an indexing scheme that organizes microorganisms used in biochemical, fermentation, and biotechnological processes according to their taxonomic or functional characteristics. This classification facilitates cross-referencing of patent documents across other C12 subclasses (such as fermentation, enzyme production, and genetic engineering) by identifying the specific microorganism or microbial type involved. It serves as a supplementary classification tool rather than a standalone subject matter classification, enabling systematic retrieval of patents involving particular microorganisms in beer production, vinegar manufacturing, wine fermentation, enzyme engineering, and mutation/genetic modification contexts.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass C12R recorded 65,695 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 2,128 in 2013 to 16,286 in 2023 (+665%). 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