RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES

Description

G04R covers timepieces that receive time signals via radio transmission to synchronize or set their displayed time. This includes atomic clocks, radio clocks, and watches that automatically adjust to standard time broadcasts from designated transmitters. The classification encompasses both the reception apparatus and synchronization mechanisms integrated into timekeeping devices, but excludes general radio receiver technology classified elsewhere and purely mechanical timepieces without radio reception capability.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass G04R recorded 4,693 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 325 in 2013 to 302 in 2023 (-7%), peaking at 536 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