BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS

Description

This IPC class encompasses technologies and methods for producing fabric and textile structures through processes other than conventional weaving. It covers braiding techniques for intertwining multiple yarns or strands, lace-making by looping or knotting threads, and knitting machinery and processes for creating fabric from yarn loops. The class also includes trimmings and decorative textile elements, as well as non-woven fabrics produced by bonding, felting, or interlocking fibers without weaving or knitting. Related machinery, apparatus, and process control methods for these textile production techniques fall within this classification.

Filing statistics

IPC D04 recorded 105,052 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 5 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 7,250 in 2013 to 9,407 in 2023 (+30%), peaking at 12,959 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class D04 are P&G (PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY) (887 applications), KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION (727 applications) and TORAY INDUSTRIES (692 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings