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Description

B99 serves as a residual classification for inventions and technical subject matter within the performing operations and transporting field (Section B) that do not fit into any of the more specific classes (B01–B98). This class is applied when an invention spans multiple established classes, falls outside their defined scopes, or addresses entirely novel technologies not yet accommodated by the detailed classification structure. B99 does not represent a substantive technical field but rather functions as a necessary catch-all to ensure comprehensive coverage of the patent landscape within Section B.

Filing statistics

IPC B99 recorded 19 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 1 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 3 in 2013 to 1 in 2022 (-67%), peaking at 8 applications in 2019. The most active applicants in class B99 are SHINTANI TATSUYA (10 applications), SHRAMENKO NATALIA YURIIVNA (2 applications) and KHARKIV NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE-ROAD UNIVERSITY (2 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings