HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING

Description

Class E02 encompasses structures and engineering works related to water management, ground stabilization, and earth movement. It covers hydraulic infrastructure such as dams, locks, canals, and flood control systems, as well as foundation design and soil mechanics for construction projects. The class also includes techniques for excavation, dredging, soil compaction, and ground improvement methods. Adjacent classes address specialized building construction (E04) and general civil engineering works beyond the hydraulic and soil-related scope of E02.

Filing statistics

CPC E02 recorded 228,471 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 4 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 11,067 in 2013 to 24,241 in 2023 (+119%), peaking at 28,978 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class E02 are KOMATSU (3,939 applications), CATERPILLAR (3,490 applications) and HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY COMPANY (2,553 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings