Skip to content
Search Classifications
Search for IPC and CPC classification codes or keywords
CPC Subclass Not Allocatable
G11C

STATIC STORES (semiconductor memory devices H10B)

Description

G11C covers non-volatile and volatile memory devices that retain stored information without requiring mechanical movement or constant refresh cycles. This includes semiconductor memories such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, and static random-access memory (SRAM), as well as related storage architectures and access methods. The classification encompasses memory cell designs, addressing schemes, control circuits, and peripheral circuits integral to static memory operation. Adjacent dynamic memory technologies requiring periodic refresh, magnetic storage media, and optical storage systems are classified separately in related G11 subclasses.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass G11C recorded 152,594 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 10,826 in 2013 to 13,151 in 2023 (+21%), peaking at 17,166 applications in 2021. 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

21 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open

  • G11C 23/00 Digital stores characterised by movement of mechanical parts to effect storage, e.g. using balls; Storage elements therefor
  • G11C 25/00 Digital stores characterised by the use of flowing media; Storage elements therefor

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