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