PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES

Description

B41C covers processes and methods for creating or reproducing surfaces used in printing operations, including techniques for engraving, etching, lithography, and other surface preparation methods. This classification encompasses both traditional and modern processes for manufacturing printing plates, blocks, screens, and similar substrates that transfer ink or pigment onto paper or other materials. The scope includes chemical, mechanical, and photographic processes used to produce the image-bearing surfaces themselves, but excludes the actual printing operation or the resulting printed product, which fall under different classifications.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass B41C recorded 6,318 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 551 in 2013 to 458 in 2023 (-17%), peaking at 731 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B41 are SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION (14,672 applications), CANON (14,153 applications) and RICOH COMPANY (8,049 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings