A63J DEVICES FOR THEATRES, CIRCUSES, OR THE LIKE; CONJURING APPLIANCES OR THE LIKE
Introduced: September 1968
Classification Context
- Section:
- HUMAN NECESSITIES
- Class:
- SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- Subclass:
- DEVICES FOR THEATRES, CIRCUSES, OR THE LIKE; CONJURING APPLIANCES OR THE LIKE
Description
A63J covers mechanical and structural devices designed for theatrical productions, circus performances, and entertainment venues, as well as apparatus for magic tricks and illusions. This includes stage machinery, rigging systems, pyrotechnic or lighting devices for theatrical effects, trap doors, flying apparatus, and conjuring props or mechanisms. The classification encompasses both the technical equipment integral to performance spaces and portable apparatus used by performers to create illusory effects. Related but distinct theatrical technologies such as general stage construction or permanent building infrastructure are classified elsewhere.
Filing statistics
IPC subclass A63J recorded 7,424 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 379 in 2013 to 564 in 2023 (+49%), peaking at 907 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class A63 are SANKYO (23,899 applications), SANYO PRODUCT COMPANY (23,718 applications) and DAIICHI SHOKAI COMPANY (13,338 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
In class comparison
A63J ranks 6th of 8 subclasses with filings in A63, with 7,424 applications between 2013 and 2023, 1.2% of the class. Annual filings grew 49% from 2013 to 2023, above the class as a whole (+40%).
| Rank | Subclass | Title | Applications | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A63F, Card, Board or Roulette Games; Indoor Games Using Small Moving Playing Bodies; Video Games; Games Not Otherwise Provided for | Card, Board or Roulette Games; Indoor Games Using Small Moving Playing Bodies; Video Games; Games Not Otherwise Provided for | 258,711 | 42.1% |
| 2 | A63B, Apparatus for Physical Training, Gymnastics, Swimming, Climbing, or Fencing; Ball Games; Training Equipment | Apparatus for Physical Training, Gymnastics, Swimming, Climbing, or Fencing; Ball Games; Training Equipment | 247,624 | 40.3% |
| 3 | A63H, Toys, e.g. Tops, Dolls, Hoops or Building Blocks | Toys, e.g. Tops, Dolls, Hoops or Building Blocks | 61,908 | 10.1% |
| 4 | A63G, Merry-Go-Rounds; Swings; Rocking-Horses; Chutes; Switchbacks; Similar Devices for Public Amusement | Merry-Go-Rounds; Swings; Rocking-Horses; Chutes; Switchbacks; Similar Devices for Public Amusement | 18,660 | 3.0% |
| 5 | A63C, Skates; Skis; Roller Skates; Design or Layout of Courts, Rinks or the Like | Skates; Skis; Roller Skates; Design or Layout of Courts, Rinks or the Like | 15,231 | 2.5% |
| 6 | A63J | Devices for Theatres, Circuses, or the Like; Conjuring Appliances or the Like | 7,424 | 1.2% |
| 7 | A63D, Bowling Games, e.g. Skittles, Bocce or Bowls; Installations Therefor; Bagatelle or Similar Games; Billiards | Bowling Games, e.g. Skittles, Bocce or Bowls; Installations Therefor; Bagatelle or Similar Games; Billiards | 2,873 | 0.5% |
| 8 | A63K, Racing; Riding Sports; Equipment or Accessories Therefor | Racing; Riding Sports; Equipment or Accessories Therefor | 2,000 | 0.3% |
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
Additional Content
Conjuring The art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment.
Related Keywords
13 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- A63J 1/00 Stage arrangements
- A63J 11/00 Labyrinths
- A63J 13/00 Panoramas, dioramas, stereoramas, or the like
- A63J 15/00 Peep-shows, e.g. raree-shows; Kaleidoscopic or other opalescence exhibitions
- A63J 17/00 Apparatus for performing colour-music
- A63J 19/00 Puppet, marionette, or shadow shows or theatres
- A63J 21/00 Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers
- A63J 25/00 Equipment specially adapted for cinemas
- A63J 3/00 Equipment for, or arrangement of, circuses or arenas
- A63J 5/00 Auxiliaries for producing special effects on stages, or in circuses or arenas
- A63J 7/00 Auxiliary apparatus for artistes
- A63J 9/00 Centrifugal tracks, loop-the-loops or the like
- A63J 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class A63, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- SANKYO 23,899
- SANYO PRODUCT COMPANY 23,718
- DAIICHI SHOKAI COMPANY 13,338
- KYORAKU SANGYO 10,447
- UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION 9,545
- SANEI R & D COMPANY 9,135
- SAMMY CORPORATION 7,126
- NEWGIN CORPORATION 5,651
- NETEASE 4,877
- HEIWA CORPORATION 3,938