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Description

E99 is a residual classification within Section E (Fixed Constructions) designed to accommodate inventions and technical disclosures that do not fit into any of the more specific classes (E01–E98) covering building, civil engineering, or structural applications. This class serves as a catch-all category for novel or atypical subject matter related to fixed constructions that lacks a dedicated classification home elsewhere in Section E. Examiners should first conduct thorough searches in established E-section classes before assigning to E99, as this classification is intended only for truly unclassifiable matter within the scope of fixed constructions.

Filing statistics

IPC E99 recorded 19 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 1 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 2 in 2013 to 1 in 2023 (-50%), peaking at 4 applications in 2016. The most active applicants in class E99 are CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY (1 applications), B BOND BEYOND TECHNOLOGY LLC (1 applications) and BIBANGDE CHAOYUE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (1 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings