HEADWEAR

Description

A42 encompasses all types of headwear including hats, caps, bonnets, helmets, and similar head coverings for protection, fashion, or functional purposes. This class covers the structure, fastening mechanisms, and materials of headwear articles, but excludes specialized protective equipment classified separately (such as crash helmets in A42C or medical/surgical headgear). The classification includes both traditional and innovative designs in hat and cap construction, linings, bands, visors, and decorative elements integrated into head coverings.

Filing statistics

IPC A42 recorded 42,569 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 2,585 in 2013 to 3,816 in 2023 (+48%), peaking at 6,002 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class A42 are SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (411 applications), BELL SPORTS (256 applications) and MIPS (221 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings