HOROLOGY

Description

G04 covers the design, construction, and operation of devices for measuring and indicating time. This includes mechanical and electronic clocks, watches, chronometers, timing mechanisms, and related apparatus such as pendulums, escapements, and balance wheels. The class also encompasses time-measuring instruments used in scientific and industrial applications, as well as apparatus for controlling or synchronizing time-dependent processes. Excluded are general timekeeping methods (classified in other IPC sections) and electronic display systems not integral to the timekeeping mechanism itself.

Filing statistics

IPC G04 recorded 70,647 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 6 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 5,450 in 2013 to 5,753 in 2023 (+6%), peaking at 7,324 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class G04 are THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (1,570 applications), ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE (1,409 applications) and CASIO COMPUTER COMPANY (1,172 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings