Skip to content
Search Classifications
Search for IPC and CPC classification codes or keywords
DIFF Main Group
C21B 13/00

Making spongy iron or liquid steel, by direct processes

Introduced: September 1968

CPC subdivides this area 2x more granularly than IPC with 9 additional codes.

9 codes are CPC-only extensions.

Child Classifications

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open

Top Applicants

Top Applicants (IPC)

Class C21,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. JFE STEEL JP 7,470
  2. POSCO (POHANG IRON AND STEEL COMPANY) KR 4,615
  3. JFE STEEL 4,538
  4. NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION JP 4,536
  5. ARCELORMITTAL LU 2,597
  6. NSSMC (NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL) JP 2,241
  7. ANGANG STEEL COMPANY 2,126
  8. NSSMC (NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL) 1,783
  9. BAOSHAN IRON & STEEL COMPANY 1,620
  10. HYUNDAI STEEL COMPANY KR 1,545

Top Applicants (CPC)

Class C21,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. JFE STEEL JP 8,270
  2. NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION JP 5,222
  3. POSCO (POHANG IRON AND STEEL COMPANY) KR 4,824
  4. JFE STEEL 3,311
  5. ARCELORMITTAL LU 3,239
  6. NSSMC (NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL) JP 2,659
  7. HYUNDAI STEEL COMPANY KR 1,492
  8. ANGANG STEEL COMPANY 1,318
  9. BAOSHAN IRON & STEEL COMPANY 1,233
  10. KOBE STEEL JP 1,228