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IPC Subclass
B41C

PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Class:
PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
Subclass:
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.

Related Keywords

FORMESprinting PLATE(S)processing for preparing, producing or duplicating PRINTING -surfaces

2 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B41, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 14,672
  2. CANON 14,153
  3. RICOH COMPANY 8,049
  4. SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 8,044
  5. HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY US 7,312
  6. BROTHER INDUSTRIES 6,887
  7. KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS 5,463
  8. CANON JP 5,001
  9. KONICA MINOLTA CORPORATION 4,512
  10. BROTHER INDUSTRIES JP 3,681