SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT

Description

B63 encompasses the design, construction, and equipment of ships and other waterborne vessels used for transportation and marine operations. This class covers hull structures, propulsion systems, steering mechanisms, anchoring apparatus, and onboard safety equipment specific to maritime vessels. It includes ships, boats, submarines, floating structures, and associated marine engineering systems, but excludes land-based transportation modes and specialized underwater exploration equipment classified elsewhere. Related equipment for vessel operation, navigation, and maintenance falls within this broad classification.

Filing statistics

IPC B63 recorded 259,557 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 5 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 16,115 in 2013 to 29,855 in 2023 (+85%). The most active applicants in class B63 are SAMSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES (5,719 applications), DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING COMPANY (4,684 applications) and HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPANY (3,015 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings