OPTICS

Description

G02 encompasses the design, manufacture, and application of optical systems and components that manipulate light through refraction, reflection, diffraction, or polarization. This class covers lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, gratings, optical fibers, and integrated optical devices, as well as optical systems for imaging, measurement, and light transmission. It includes both traditional geometrical optics and wave optical phenomena, excluding purely electrical or electronic aspects of light-based systems (covered in G01J for light measurement and G02F for electro-optical devices that combine optical and electrical elements). Applications range from eyewear and cameras to telescopes, microscopes, and specialized optical instruments for scientific and industrial use.

Filing statistics

CPC G02 recorded 925,777 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 68,301 in 2013 to 70,195 in 2023 (+3%), peaking at 98,504 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class G02 are SAMSUNG DISPLAY (14,409 applications), BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY (14,236 applications) and BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY (11,826 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings