DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS, IN GENERAL; LADDERS

Description

Class E06 encompasses the structural design, construction, and operation of door and window systems, including shutters and roller blinds used for closure, ventilation, light control, or security purposes. It covers the mechanical components, frames, hinges, fastening systems, and actuation mechanisms for these building elements. The class also includes portable or fixed ladders for access and climbing purposes. Adjacent specialized applications, such as doors or windows for specific industrial equipment or vehicles, are typically classified elsewhere in their respective technical fields.

Filing statistics

IPC E06 recorded 280,434 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 16,084 in 2013 to 27,387 in 2023 (+70%), peaking at 36,810 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class E06 are SGCC(STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA) (1,398 applications), YKK AP (1,252 applications) and LIXIL CORPORATION (1,235 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings