H04Q SELECTING (switches, relays, selectors H01H; wireless communication networks H04W)
Description
H04Q covers switching and routing mechanisms in telecommunications networks, including exchange systems, selectors, and call distribution equipment. This subclass encompasses technologies for establishing connections between communication devices, such as automatic telephone exchanges, crossbar switches, and electronic switching systems. It includes both the hardware components and operational principles used to direct signals through communication networks to their intended destinations. Related switching technologies for data networks and specialized routing systems are classified elsewhere in H04L or other relevant communication subclasses.
Filing statistics
CPC subclass H04Q recorded 55,205 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 3,939 in 2013 to 5,112 in 2023 (+30%), peaking at 6,044 applications in 2021. The most active applicants in class H04 are HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY (101,476 applications), QUALCOMM (101,139 applications) and SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (96,655 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
8 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- H04Q 1/00 Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
- H04Q 11/00 Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems (multiplex systems H04J)
- H04Q 2201/00 Constructional details of selecting arrangements
- H04Q 2209/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
- H04Q 2213/00 Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q 3/00 Selecting arrangements (H04Q5/00 - H04Q11/00 take precedence)
- H04Q 5/00 Selecting arrangements wherein two or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line to the exchange
- H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class H04, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY CN 101,476
- QUALCOMM US 101,139
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 96,655
- TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) SE 57,744
- LG ELECTRONICS KR 55,253
- HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY 54,181
- SONY CORPORATION JP 35,309
- ZTE CORPORATION CN 32,950
- INTEL CORPORATION US 27,533
- GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION CN 27,498