SUGAR INDUSTRY

Description

C13 covers the production, processing, and refining of sugars and sugar products from natural sources, primarily sugar cane and sugar beets. This includes extraction methods, crystallization, purification, and concentration processes, as well as the manufacture of molasses, syrups, and related by-products. The class encompasses equipment, apparatus, and chemical treatment techniques specific to sugar manufacturing operations. Related fermentation processes and uses of sugar in other chemical industries are classified elsewhere (e.g., C12 for fermentation biotechnology, C07 for organic chemical synthesis).

Filing statistics

IPC C13 recorded 8,213 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 967 in 2013 to 469 in 2023 (-51%). The most active applicants in class C13 are XYLECO (138 applications), TORAY INDUSTRIES (118 applications) and GUANGXI UNIVERSITY (97 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings