G04R RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
Introduced: January 2013
Classification Context
- Section:
- PHYSICS
- Class:
- HOROLOGY
- Subclass:
- 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
In class comparison
G04R ranks 5th of 6 subclasses with filings in G04, with 4,693 applications between 2013 and 2023, 6.6% of the class. Annual filings declined 7% from 2013 to 2023, below 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 | 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 | 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
3 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- G04R 20/00 Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal
- G04R 40/00 Correcting the clock frequency
- G04R 60/00 Constructional details
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