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IPC Subclass
G16Y

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]

Introduced: January 2020

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
Subclass:
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]

Description

G16Y covers ICT systems, methods, and technologies specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, encompassing interconnected networked devices, sensors, and smart systems that collect, transmit, and process data. This classification addresses IoT-specific challenges including device communication protocols, data management architectures, security frameworks, and software platforms tailored for resource-constrained environments. Technologies covered include sensor networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, edge computing, and cloud integration for IoT ecosystems. Related classifications such as H04L (digital information transmission) and G06F (computing systems) provide broader coverage of general networking and computational methods that may support IoT but are not IoT-specific.

Additional Content

object objects “object” “objects” Objects (the “things”) are embedded with technology enabling these objects to sense and collect information and connecting to network. Examples of such objects are: Objects, which perform specific functions with little or no electronic components, e.g. windows, doors or clothes. Objects, which include electronic components that perform specific functions independently from their functions for connecting to network, e.g. home electronic appliance and vehicles. On the other hand, generic computing and communicating devices, e.g. computer or laptop, on their own are not regarded as objects. However, in case that these devices are embedded in physical objects and enable the objects to sense and collect information and connect to network, then the devices can be regarded as a part of objects (the ”things”). For example, smartphones, which are attached to vehicles to sense and deliver position data to a server, can be regarded as part of the objects. thing things "thing" "things" see “object” network networks means the communication system of interconnected objects which have their own IP addresses. A typical example of such network is the Internet. On the other hand, communication system without using IP addresses, e.g. short-range wireless communication via NFC or Bluetooth®, is not regarded as a network in this subclass. function functions means processing information and outputting the results obtained by information processing. Processing information, here, includes: Complex information processing such as analyzing input information, e.g. data analysis. Complex information processing such as creating control information from input information. Processing information, here, doesn’t include: Simple or less complex information processing such as only monitoring input information without data analysis, e.g. security camera system. Simple or less complex information processing such as only conveying control information to operate device, e.g. remote control system.

4 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G16, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NL 4,707
  2. IBM (INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION) US 1,767
  3. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 1,458
  4. CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 1,144
  5. ILLUMINA US 1,097
  6. SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DE 1,074
  7. PHILIPS ELECTRONICS 1,026
  8. FUJIFILM JP 990
  9. PING AN TECHNOLOGY COMPANY 892
  10. ROCHE CH 864