LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES

Description

Class E05 covers mechanical locking devices, key mechanisms, and hardware for securing doors and windows, as well as security containers. This includes padlocks, cylinder locks, mortise locks, latches, bolts, hinges, handles, and related fastening components for building access control. The class also encompasses safes, strong boxes, and other protective enclosures designed to prevent unauthorized entry or theft. Associated technologies such as key blanks, lock springs, and strike plates fall within this scope, though electronic locking systems are typically classified elsewhere.

Filing statistics

IPC E05 recorded 382,017 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 5 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 21,254 in 2013 to 36,464 in 2023 (+72%), peaking at 47,099 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class E05 are KIEKERT (2,762 applications), HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY (1,316 applications) and JULIUS BLUM (1,088 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings