CLEANING

Description

B08 encompasses apparatus and methods for removing unwanted substances (dirt, dust, contaminants, coatings) from surfaces, objects, or spaces through mechanical, chemical, thermal, or combined means. This class covers cleaning technologies ranging from manual tools and portable equipment to industrial systems, including surface cleaning, tank/vessel cleaning, and environmental decontamination applications. The class excludes specialized cleaning integral to specific manufacturing processes (classified in the relevant technology sections) and human body hygiene (classified under A61).

Filing statistics

IPC B08 recorded 711,919 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 1 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 12,083 in 2013 to 128,011 in 2023 (+959%). The most active applicants in class B08 are SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (1,817 applications), SCREEN HOLDINGS (591 applications) and TOKYO ELECTRON (558 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings