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IPC Class
A43

FOOTWEAR

Classification Context

Section:
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Class:
FOOTWEAR

Description

A43 covers the design, construction, and manufacturing of footwear articles worn on the human foot, including shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, and related foot coverings. This classification encompasses materials, fastening systems, soles, heels, uppers, and structural components of footwear, as well as manufacturing processes and machinery specific to shoe production. It excludes orthopedic devices and prosthetics (classified under A61), hosiery and stockings (A41), and specialized protective equipment beyond standard footwear design. The class extends to footwear accessories and finishing techniques integral to shoe manufacture and function.

Filing statistics

IPC A43 recorded 124,373 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 8,023 in 2013 to 10,867 in 2023 (+35%), peaking at 13,234 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class A43 are NIKE (3,884 applications), NIKE INNOVATE (3,037 applications) and NIKE INNOVATE (1,179 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

A43 comprises 3 subclasses with filings; the largest is A43B with 72.8% of the class's 124,373 applications between 2013 and 2023.

Subclasses of class A43 by patent applications, 2013–2023
RankSubclassTitleApplicationsShare
1A43B, Characteristic Features of Footwear; Parts of FootwearCharacteristic Features of Footwear; Parts of Footwear90,54972.8%
2A43D, Machines, Tools, Equipment or Methods for Manufacturing or Repairing FootwearMachines, Tools, Equipment or Methods for Manufacturing or Repairing Footwear21,51717.3%
3A43C, Fastenings or Attachments for Footwear; Laces in GeneralFastenings or Attachments for Footwear; Laces in General12,3079.9%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

BOOT(S)FOOTWEAR(1) SHOE(S) [= footwear]

3 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. NIKE US 3,884
  2. NIKE INNOVATE US 3,037
  3. NIKE INNOVATE NL 1,179
  4. 耐克创新有限合伙公司 902
  5. NIKE INNOVATE 842
  6. ADIDAS DE 707
  7. ASICS CORPORATION JP 573
  8. ANTA (CHINA) COMPANY 417
  9. XTEP (CHINA) COMPANY 340
  10. PUMA SE DE 333