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DIFF Subclass Not Allocatable
G09C

CIPHERING OR DECIPHERING APPARATUS FOR CRYPTOGRAPHIC OR OTHER PURPOSES INVOLVING THE NEED FOR SECRECY

Introduced: September 1968

Description

G09C covers mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic apparatus designed to encrypt, decrypt, or otherwise process information requiring confidentiality. This includes rotor-based cipher machines (such as Enigma-type devices), electromechanical encryption systems, and early electronic cryptographic equipment used for secure communication. The classification encompasses both the hardware apparatus itself and the functional mechanisms for generating, applying, or reversing cryptographic transformations. Related cryptographic algorithms, mathematical methods, or software-based encryption systems are typically classified elsewhere (e.g., H04L for digital encryption in telecommunications).

Additional Content IPC

Secret communication Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services using cryptography Secret digital communication

IPC and CPC are identically structured here. All 3 subcodes exist in both systems.

3 shared codes have differing titles between IPC and CPC.

Child Classifications

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  • G09C 5/00 Ciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in the preceding groups, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages IPC+CPC Available in IPC and CPC

Top Applicants

Top Applicants (IPC)

Class G09,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SAMSUNG DISPLAY KR 16,046
  2. BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY 13,766
  3. BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY CN 12,804
  4. LG DISPLAY COMPANY KR 10,322
  5. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 7,738
  6. SAMSUNG DISPLAY 5,172
  7. SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY COMPANY 4,749
  8. SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY COMPANY JP 3,417
  9. LG DISPLAY COMPANY 3,335
  10. SONY CORPORATION JP 3,179

Top Applicants (CPC)

Class G09,2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SAMSUNG DISPLAY KR 22,477
  2. BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY CN 16,016
  3. BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP COMPANY 12,918
  4. LG DISPLAY COMPANY KR 12,599
  5. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 12,009
  6. SAMSUNG DISPLAY 6,252
  7. SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY COMPANY JP 4,410
  8. SONY CORPORATION JP 3,965
  9. LG ELECTRONICS KR 3,901
  10. LG DISPLAY COMPANY 3,705