MAKING NETS BY KNOTTING OF FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; MAKING KNOTTED CARPETS OR TAPESTRIES; KNOTTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Description

D04G covers industrial processes and machinery for creating knotted textile structures, including fishing nets, safety nets, and decorative knotted carpets or tapestries produced through systematic knotting of filamentary materials. This subclass encompasses various knotting techniques and equipment not classified under other textile manufacturing methods (such as weaving, knitting, or braiding in adjacent classes). Technologies within this scope include hand and machine knotting methods, knot-forming apparatus, and processes for joining or securing filaments through knot formation. Adjacent classes D04B-D04F address other yarn/fabric assembly techniques, while D04H covers non-woven fabrics produced by different consolidation methods.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass D04G recorded 521 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 29 in 2013 to 36 in 2023 (+24%), peaking at 65 applications in 2021. 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