G04 HOROLOGY
Description
G04 covers the design, construction, and operation of devices for measuring and indicating time. This includes mechanical and electronic clocks, watches, chronometers, timing mechanisms, and related apparatus such as pendulums, escapements, and balance wheels. The class also encompasses time-measuring instruments used in scientific and industrial applications, as well as apparatus for controlling or synchronizing time-dependent processes. Excluded are general timekeeping methods (classified in other IPC sections) and electronic display systems not integral to the timekeeping mechanism itself.
Filing statistics
CPC G04 recorded 57,065 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 6 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 3,773 in 2013 to 4,547 in 2023 (+21%), peaking at 6,523 applications in 2016. The most active applicants in class G04 are THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (1,705 applications), ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE (1,443 applications) and SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (1,104 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
6 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- G04B MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS (spring- or weight-driven mechanisms in general F03G; electromechanical clocks or watches G04C; electromechanical clocks with attached or built-in means operating any device at pre-selected times or after predetermined time intervals G04C23/00; clocks or watches with stop devices G04F7/08)
- G04C ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04F TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING (measuring pulse characteristics G01R, e.g. G01R29/02; in radar or like systems G01S)
- G04G ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04R RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CH 1,705
- ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE CH 1,443
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 1,104
- APPLE US 1,038
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 875
- NIVAROX-FAR CH 781
- CASIO COMPUTER COMPANY 734
- MONTRES BREGUET CH 715
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 715
- OMEGA CH 555