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IPC Class
G03

PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY

Description

Class G03 covers image formation and recording technologies using optical waves, non-optical waves (such as X-rays or electron beams), and electrostatic processes. This includes traditional photographic materials and processes, cinematography equipment and techniques, electrographic systems (xerography and related technologies), and holographic recording and reconstruction methods. The class encompasses both the physical media (films, plates, papers) and apparatus used to capture, process, and reproduce images across these diverse technologies.

Filing statistics

IPC G03 recorded 475,640 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 6 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 40,138 in 2013 to 38,963 in 2023 (-3%), peaking at 47,213 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class G03 are CANON (31,416 applications), CANON (17,469 applications) and KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS (9,845 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

G03 comprises 6 subclasses with filings; the largest is G03B with 42.1% of the class's 475,640 applications between 2013 and 2023.

Subclasses of class G03 by patent applications, 2013–2023
RankSubclassTitleApplicationsShare
1G03B, Apparatus or Arrangements for Taking Photographs or for Projecting or Viewing Them; Apparatus or Arrangements Employing Analogous Techniques Using Waves Other Than Optical Waves; Accessories ThereforApparatus or Arrangements for Taking Photographs or for Projecting or Viewing Them; Apparatus or Arrangements Employing Analogous Techniques Using Waves Other Than Optical Waves; Accessories Therefor200,39642.1%
2G03F, Photomechanical Production of Textured or Patterned Surfaces, e.g. for Printing, for Processing of Semiconductor Devices; Materials Therefor; Originals Therefor; Apparatus Specially Adapted ThereforPhotomechanical Production of Textured or Patterned Surfaces, e.g. for Printing, for Processing of Semiconductor Devices; Materials Therefor; Originals Therefor; Apparatus Specially Adapted Therefor141,31429.7%
3G03G, Electrography; Electrophotography; MagnetographyElectrography; Electrophotography; Magnetography119,06325.0%
4G03H, Holographic Processes or ApparatusHolographic Processes or Apparatus12,8212.7%
5G03C, Photosensitive Materials for Photographic Purposes; Photographic Processes, e.g. Cine, X-Ray, Colour or Stereo-Photographic Processes; Auxiliary Processes in PhotographyPhotosensitive Materials for Photographic Purposes; Photographic Processes, e.g. Cine, X-Ray, Colour or Stereo-Photographic Processes; Auxiliary Processes in Photography1,2200.3%
6G03D, Apparatus for Processing Exposed Photographic Materials; Accessories ThereforApparatus for Processing Exposed Photographic Materials; Accessories Therefor8260.2%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

making or treatment of photographic PRINT(S)TRANSPARENCY(-IES) bearing pictures for projection

6 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. CANON 31,416
  2. CANON JP 17,469
  3. KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS 9,845
  4. RICOH COMPANY 9,807
  5. ASML NETHERLANDS NL 9,427
  6. FUJIFILM JP 7,225
  7. KONICA MINOLTA CORPORATION 7,216
  8. FUJI XEROX COMPANY 5,711
  9. CARL ZEISS SMT DE 4,971
  10. RICOH COMPANY JP 4,123