STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS

Description

F17 encompasses systems, apparatus, and methods for the storage, handling, and distribution of gases and liquids under pressure or at cryogenic temperatures. This class covers gas cylinders, pressure vessels, pipelines, valves, regulators, safety devices, and integrated distribution networks for industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. Technologies include liquefied gas storage (such as LPG and cryogenic liquids), gas purification systems, and pressure control mechanisms. The class excludes specific applications of stored gases or liquids (such as fuel systems for internal combustion engines or refrigeration cycles, which are classified elsewhere) and focuses instead on the containment and flow management infrastructure itself.

Filing statistics

IPC F17 recorded 126,859 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 3 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 5,941 in 2013 to 18,414 in 2023 (+210%). The most active applicants in class F17 are DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING COMPANY (1,622 applications), GAZ TRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ (1,588 applications) and L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE (1,470 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings