Skip to content
PCE
Search Classifications
Search for IPC and CPC classification codes or keywords
CPC Subgroup
G11B 21/20

while the head is in operative position but stationary or permitting minor movements to follow irregularities in surface of record carrier

Full Title

Head arrangements not specific to the method of recording or reproducing > Supporting the heads; Supporting the sockets for plug-in heads > while the head is in operative position but stationary or permitting minor movements to follow irregularities in surface of record carrier

Filing statistics

CPC G11B 21/20 belongs to the parent subclass G11B, which recorded 59,347 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 7,949 in 2013 to 3,480 in 2023 (-56%). The most active applicants in class G11 are MICRON TECHNOLOGY (12,397 applications), SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (12,238 applications) and SK HYNIX (11,371 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

1 direct subcode

Child Classifications

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open

  • G11B 21/21 with provision for maintaining desired spacing of head from record carrier, e.g. fluid-dynamic spacing, slider

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G11, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. MICRON TECHNOLOGY US 12,397
  2. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 12,238
  3. SK HYNIX KR 11,371
  4. TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY TW 4,601
  5. INTEL CORPORATION US 3,874
  6. IBM (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION) US 3,866
  7. SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES US 3,151
  8. SK HYNIX 3,143
  9. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY 3,073
  10. WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES US 2,961