DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS

Description

E03C covers domestic plumbing systems for supplying fresh water and removing waste water, along with sink designs and associated fixtures. This includes water distribution pipes, drainage systems, valves, taps, and related fittings installed in residential buildings, as well as integral sink construction and functionality. The classification encompasses both above-ground and in-wall plumbing components, pressure regulation devices, and anti-siphoning mechanisms typically found in household water systems. Related large-scale water supply infrastructure is classified separately under E03B and E03D.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass E03C recorded 60,571 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 4,022 in 2013 to 5,311 in 2023 (+32%), peaking at 7,532 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class E03 are TOTO (2,957 applications), LIXIL CORPORATION (1,646 applications) and XIAMEN RT PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY (925 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings