B43K IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
Introduced: September 1968
Classification Context
- Section:
- PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- Class:
- WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- Subclass:
- IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
Description
B43K covers implements designed for writing, drawing, or marking on surfaces, including pens, pencils, markers, brushes, and related writing instruments. This subclass encompasses the mechanical and structural design of these instruments, such as nib configurations, ink delivery systems, barrel constructions, and grip mechanisms. It includes both traditional writing tools and specialized implements for technical drawing, calligraphy, and artistic applications. Related accessories and components integral to the function of writing or drawing implements are also classified here, though office furniture and broader bureau accessories are covered separately under B43L.
Filing statistics
IPC subclass B43K recorded 26,888 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 2,595 in 2013 to 1,744 in 2023 (-33%), peaking at 2,745 applications in 2019. The most active applicants in class B43 are PILOT CORPORATION (1,100 applications), MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY (818 applications) and SOCIETE BIC (380 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
In class comparison
B43K ranks 2nd of 3 subclasses with filings in B43, with 26,888 applications between 2013 and 2023, 34.0% of the class. Annual filings declined 33% from 2013 to 2023, below the class as a whole (-22%).
| Rank | Subclass | Title | Applications | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B43L, Articles for Writing or Drawing Upon; Accessories for Writing or Drawing | Articles for Writing or Drawing Upon; Accessories for Writing or Drawing | 45,272 | 57.3% |
| 2 | B43K | Implements for Writing or Drawing | 26,888 | 34.0% |
| 3 | B43M, Bureau Accessories Not Otherwise Provided for | Bureau Accessories Not Otherwise Provided for | 6,878 | 8.7% |
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
Related Keywords
17 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- B43K 1/00 Nibs; Writing- points
- B43K 11/00 Filling devices
- B43K 13/00 Devices for removing nibs; Devices for cleaning nibs, e.g. by wiping
- B43K 15/00 Assembling, finishing, or repairing pens
- B43K 17/00 Continuously-adjustable nibs, e.g. for drawing-pens; Holders therefor
- B43K 19/00 Non-propelling pencils; Styles; Crayons; Chalks
- B43K 21/00 Propelling pencils
- B43K 23/00 Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
- B43K 24/00 Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
- B43K 25/00 Attaching writing implements to wearing apparel or objects involving constructional changes of the implements
- B43K 27/00 Multiple-point writing implements, e.g. multicolour; Combinations of writing implements
- B43K 29/00 Combinations of writing implements with other articles
- B43K 3/00 Nib holders
- B43K 31/00 Writing implement receptacles functioning as, or combined with, writing implements
- B43K 5/00 Pens with ink reservoirs in holders, e.g. fountain-pens
- B43K 7/00 Ball-point pens
- B43K 8/00 Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class B43, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- PILOT CORPORATION 1,100
- MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY 818
- SOCIETE BIC FR 380
- MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY JP 371
- PILOT CORPORATION JP 273
- DELI GROUP COMPANY 249
- SHANGHAI M&G STATIONERY 176
- PENTEL 169
- ZEBRA PEN CORPORATION 153
- GUANGZHOU SHIRUI ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY 124