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DIFF Main Group
B41C 1/00

Forme preparation

Introduced: September 1968

Of 11 combined children, 9 exist in both systems.

2 codes are CPC-only extensions.

6 shared codes have differing titles between IPC and CPC.

Child Classifications

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  • B41C 1/003 CPC only CPC only
  • B41C 1/006 CPC only CPC only
  • B41C 1/055 Thermographic processes for producing printing formes (B41C1/02 takes precedence; ) since 1990 IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC
  • B41C 1/06 Transferring (B41C1/10, B41C1/18 take precedence) IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC
  • B41C 1/08 by embossing, e.g. with a typewriter (typewriters adapted therefor B41J3/38) IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC
  • B41C 1/12 Multicolour formes IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC
  • B41C 1/16 Formes with areas rendered ink-resistant by covering with an amalgam; Printing plates for amalgam printing IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC

Top Applicants

Top Applicants (IPC)

Class B41,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 14,672
  2. CANON 14,153
  3. RICOH COMPANY 8,049
  4. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 8,044
  5. HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 7,312
  6. BROTHER INDUSTRIES 6,887
  7. KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS 5,463
  8. CANON JP 5,001
  9. KONICA MINOLTA CORPORATION 4,512
  10. BROTHER INDUSTRIES JP 3,681

Top Applicants (CPC)

Class B41,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 8,446
  2. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 8,438
  3. HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 7,828
  4. CANON JP 5,419
  5. CANON 4,156
  6. BROTHER INDUSTRIES JP 3,763
  7. BROTHER INDUSTRIES 2,779
  8. RICOH COMPANY JP 2,717
  9. FUJIFILM JP 2,423
  10. RICOH COMPANY 1,739