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IPC Subclass
B29L

INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS , RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES

Introduced: January 1985

Classification Context

Section:
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Class:
WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
Subclass:
INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS , RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES

Description

B29L is an indexing scheme that organizes patent documents in subclass B29 according to the specific end-products or articles made from plastics or plastic-state materials. Rather than classifying by processing method, B29L directs users to relevant prior art based on the final article type being manufactured—such as containers, films, pipes, or automotive components. This scheme functions as a navigational tool to help patent professionals locate existing patents related to particular plastic articles across the broader B29 processing technology classifications. It complements method-based classifications by providing product-focused access points within plastic working technologies.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass B29L recorded 133,081 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 4,253 in 2013 to 16,480 in 2023 (+287%), peaking at 21,263 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B29 are HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (3,802 applications), BOEING COMPANY (3,087 applications) and COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN (2,315 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

B29L ranks 3rd of 5 subclasses with filings in B29, with 133,081 applications between 2013 and 2023, 11.2% of the class. Annual filings grew 287% from 2013 to 2023, above the class as a whole (+118%).

Subclasses of class B29 by patent applications, 2013–2023
RankSubclassTitleApplicationsShare
1B29C, Shaping or Joining of Plastics; Shaping of Material in a Plastic State, Not Otherwise Provided for; After-Treatment of the Shaped Products, e.g. RepairingShaping or Joining of Plastics; Shaping of Material in a Plastic State, Not Otherwise Provided for; After-Treatment of the Shaped Products, e.g. Repairing798,25367.2%
2B29B, Preparation or Pretreatment of the Material to Be Shaped; Making Granules or Preforms; Recovery of Plastics or Other Constituents of Waste Material Containing PlasticsPreparation or Pretreatment of the Material to Be Shaped; Making Granules or Preforms; Recovery of Plastics or Other Constituents of Waste Material Containing Plastics135,78511.4%
3B29LIndexing Scheme Associated With Subclass , Relating to Particular Articles133,08111.2%
4B29D, Producing Particular Articles From Plastics or From Substances in a Plastic StateProducing Particular Articles From Plastics or From Substances in a Plastic State68,7175.8%
5B29K, Indexing Scheme Associated With Subclasses , or , Relating to Moulding Materials or to Materials for Reinforcements, Fillers or Preformed Parts, e.g. InsertsIndexing Scheme Associated With Subclasses , or , Relating to Moulding Materials or to Materials for Reinforcements, Fillers or Preformed Parts, e.g. Inserts51,8554.4%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

19 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B29, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 3,802
  2. BOEING COMPANY US 3,087
  3. COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN FR 2,315
  4. SUMITOMO RUBBER IND 1,784
  5. GE (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY) US 1,663
  6. CANON 1,658
  7. 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY) US 1,587
  8. TORAY INDUSTRIES JP 1,555
  9. BASF (BADISCHE ANILIN & SODA FABRIK) DE 1,470
  10. LG CHEM KR 1,415