MECHANICAL WORKING OF CANE, CORK, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS

Description

Covers mechanical processing operations applied to cane, cork, and analogous fibrous or cellular plant materials, excluding wood which is addressed in other B27 subclasses. Encompasses cutting, splitting, bending, shaping, and surface treatment technologies specific to these materials' structural characteristics. Includes machinery and processes for manufacturing cane furniture, cork products, insulation materials, and decorative items. Excludes preservation or chemical treatment of these materials, which fall under broader B27 provisions.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass B27J recorded 7,997 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 102 in 2013 to 667 in 2023 (+554%), peaking at 1,372 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class B27 are NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY (960 applications), ROBERT BOSCH (762 applications) and HOMAG (384 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings