B41C PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES (photomechanical processes for producing printing surfaces G03F; photoelectrical processes for producing printing surfaces G03G)
Introduced: September 1968
Description
B41C covers processes and methods for creating or reproducing surfaces used in printing operations, including techniques for engraving, etching, lithography, and other surface preparation methods. This classification encompasses both traditional and modern processes for manufacturing printing plates, blocks, screens, and similar substrates that transfer ink or pigment onto paper or other materials. The scope includes chemical, mechanical, and photographic processes used to produce the image-bearing surfaces themselves, but excludes the actual printing operation or the resulting printed product, which fall under different classifications.
Title
Titles differ between systems:
IPC: PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
CPC: PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES (photomechanical processes for producing printing surfaces G03F; photoelectrical processes for producing printing surfaces G03G)
Full Title
Full titles differ between systems:
PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES (photomechanical processes for producing printing surfaces G03F; photoelectrical processes for producing printing surfaces G03G)
Of 4 combined children, 2 exist in both systems.
2 codes are CPC-only extensions.
Note: 2 CPC extensions are marked as secondary classification only.
Child Classifications
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- B41C 2201/00 Location, type or constituents of the non-imaging layers in lithographic printing formes 2nd only +6 CPC CPC only CPC only
- B41C 2210/00 Preparation or type or constituents of the imaging layers, in relation to lithographic printing forme preparation 2nd only +12 CPC CPC only CPC only
Top Applicants
Top Applicants (IPC)
Class B41,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 14,672
- CANON 14,153
- RICOH COMPANY 8,049
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 8,044
- HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 7,312
- BROTHER INDUSTRIES 6,887
- KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS 5,463
- CANON JP 5,001
- KONICA MINOLTA CORPORATION 4,512
- BROTHER INDUSTRIES JP 3,681
Top Applicants (CPC)
Class B41,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 8,446
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 8,438
- HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 7,828
- CANON JP 5,419
- CANON 4,156
- BROTHER INDUSTRIES JP 3,763
- BROTHER INDUSTRIES 2,779
- RICOH COMPANY JP 2,717
- FUJIFILM JP 2,423
- RICOH COMPANY 1,739