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IPC Subclass
G09C

CIPHERING OR DECIPHERING APPARATUS FOR CRYPTOGRAPHIC OR OTHER PURPOSES INVOLVING THE NEED FOR SECRECY

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
EDUCATING; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
Subclass:
CIPHERING OR DECIPHERING APPARATUS FOR CRYPTOGRAPHIC OR OTHER PURPOSES INVOLVING THE NEED FOR SECRECY

Description

G09C covers mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic apparatus designed to encrypt, decrypt, or otherwise process information requiring confidentiality. This includes rotor-based cipher machines (such as Enigma-type devices), electromechanical encryption systems, and early electronic cryptographic equipment used for secure communication. The classification encompasses both the hardware apparatus itself and the functional mechanisms for generating, applying, or reversing cryptographic transformations. Related cryptographic algorithms, mathematical methods, or software-based encryption systems are typically classified elsewhere (e.g., H04L for digital encryption in telecommunications).

Scope Notes

Application references: Secret communication Arrangements for conditional access to broadcast information or to broadcast-related services using cryptography Secret digital communication

Related Keywords

CIPHERINGCODING [= enciphering]CRYPTOGRAPHYDECIPHERINGDECODING [= deciphering]ENCIPHERINGENCODING [= enciphering]

3 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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  • G09C 5/00 Ciphering or deciphering apparatus or methods not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. involving the concealment or deformation of graphic data such as designs, written or printed messages