G04G ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
Introduced: January 1980
Classification Context
- Section:
- PHYSICS
- Class:
- HOROLOGY
- Subclass:
- ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
Description
G04G covers electronic timekeeping devices and systems that employ electronic circuits or components to measure, indicate, or regulate time. This includes digital and analog electronic clocks, watches, chronometers, and timing apparatus utilizing quartz oscillators, microprocessors, or other electronic timing mechanisms. The classification encompasses both the timekeeping circuitry and integrated display technologies (such as LED or LCD), as well as associated features like alarms, calendars, and time synchronization functions. Mechanical timekeeping devices without electronic components fall outside this scope and are classified under G04B.
Filing statistics
IPC subclass G04G recorded 20,247 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 1,193 in 2013 to 1,834 in 2023 (+54%), peaking at 2,201 applications in 2016. 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
In class comparison
G04G ranks 2nd of 6 subclasses with filings in G04, with 20,247 applications between 2013 and 2023, 28.7% of the class. Annual filings grew 54% from 2013 to 2023, above the class as a whole (+6%).
| Rank | Subclass | Title | Applications | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G04B, Mechanically-Driven Clocks or Watches; Mechanical Parts of Clocks or Watches in General; Time-Pieces Using the Position of the Sun, Moon, or Stars | Mechanically-Driven Clocks or Watches; Mechanical Parts of Clocks or Watches in General; Time-Pieces Using the Position of the Sun, Moon, or Stars | 30,807 | 43.6% |
| 2 | G04G | Electronic Time-Pieces | 20,247 | 28.7% |
| 3 | G04F, Time-Interval Measuring | Time-Interval Measuring | 5,952 | 8.4% |
| 4 | G04C, Electromechanical Clocks or Watches | Electromechanical Clocks or Watches | 5,757 | 8.1% |
| 5 | G04R, Radio-Controlled Time-Pieces | Radio-Controlled Time-Pieces | 4,693 | 6.6% |
| 6 | G04D, Apparatus or Tools Specially Designed for Making or Maintaining Clocks or Watches | Apparatus or Tools Specially Designed for Making or Maintaining Clocks or Watches | 3,191 | 4.5% |
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
Related Keywords
11 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- G04G 11/00 Producing optical signals at preselected times
- G04G 13/00 Producing acoustic time signals
- G04G 15/00 Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
- G04G 17/00 Structural details; Housings
- G04G 19/00 Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
- G04G 21/00 Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
- G04G 3/00 Producing timing pulses
- G04G 5/00 Setting, i.e. correcting or changing, the time-indication
- G04G 7/00 Synchronisation
- G04G 9/00 Visual time or date indication means
- G04G 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G04, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CH 1,570
- ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE CH 1,409
- CASIO COMPUTER COMPANY 1,172
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 1,100
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 768
- NIVAROX-FAR CH 750
- MONTRES BREGUET CH 707
- APPLE US 706
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 648
- CITIZEN WATCH COMPANY 578