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Description

B99Z is a residual classification designated for inventions and subject matter within Section B (Performing Operations; Transporting) that do not fall within any other established subclass. This catch-all category accommodates novel or atypical technologies in mechanical engineering, transportation, and industrial processes that lack a dedicated classification. It serves as a temporary or final repository for borderline cases until sufficient related patents warrant creation of a dedicated subclass. Patent examiners assign to B99Z only when exhaustive review confirms no other subclass in Section B provides adequate coverage.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass B99Z recorded 19 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. 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