MICROSTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Description

B81 covers the design, manufacture, and manipulation of structures and devices at microscopic and submicroscopic scales, typically involving dimensions in the micrometer to nanometer range. This includes micromechanical systems (MEMS), microelectromechanical systems (NEMS), and related fabrication techniques such as lithography, etching, and deposition processes used to create miniaturized mechanical, optical, and electronic components. The classification encompasses both the production methods and the resulting microstructures used in sensors, actuators, and other functional micro-scale devices across diverse applications.

Filing statistics

IPC B81 recorded 47,432 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 4,365 in 2013 to 3,990 in 2023 (-9%), peaking at 4,725 applications in 2015. The most active applicants in class B81 are ROBERT BOSCH (2,338 applications), INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES (702 applications) and TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY (691 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings