Skip to content
PCE
Search Classifications
Search for IPC and CPC classification codes or keywords
IPC Class
G21

NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Description

Class G21 encompasses nuclear physics research and practical nuclear engineering applications. It covers nuclear reactions, fission and fusion processes, reactor design and operation, radiation protection, nuclear fuel handling, and waste management technologies. This classification includes both fundamental scientific investigations into nuclear phenomena and industrial implementations such as power generation, propulsion systems, and medical/industrial radiation applications. Adjacent classes address related topics like general radiation physics (G21H) or specific particle physics experiments, which may be classified elsewhere within the G section.

Filing statistics

IPC G21 recorded 80,641 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 8 subclasses. Annual filings grew from 7,271 in 2013 to 7,547 in 2023 (+4%), peaking at 8,029 applications in 2021. The most active applicants in class G21 are CHINA GENERAL NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION (2,364 applications), CGN POWER COMPANY (1,899 applications) and CHINA NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY (1,870 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

In class comparison

G21 comprises 8 subclasses with filings; the largest is G21C with 37.0% of the class's 80,641 applications between 2013 and 2023.

Subclasses of class G21 by patent applications, 2013–2023
RankSubclassTitleApplicationsShare
1G21C, Nuclear ReactorsNuclear Reactors29,79837.0%
2G21F, Protection Against X-Radiation, Gamma Radiation, Corpuscular Radiation or Particle Bombardment; Treating Radioactively Contaminated Material; Decontamination Arrangements ThereforProtection Against X-Radiation, Gamma Radiation, Corpuscular Radiation or Particle Bombardment; Treating Radioactively Contaminated Material; Decontamination Arrangements Therefor22,78328.3%
3G21K, Handling of Particles or Ionising Radiation Not Otherwise Provided for; Irradiation Devices; Gamma Ray or X-Ray MicroscopesHandling of Particles or Ionising Radiation Not Otherwise Provided for; Irradiation Devices; Gamma Ray or X-Ray Microscopes11,60314.4%
4G21D, Nuclear Power PlantNuclear Power Plant7,1798.9%
5G21G, Conversion of Chemical Elements; Radioactive SourcesConversion of Chemical Elements; Radioactive Sources4,0765.1%
6G21B, Fusion ReactorsFusion Reactors3,9174.9%
7G21H, Obtaining Energy From Radioactive Sources; Applications of Radiation From Radioactive Sources, Not Otherwise Provided for; Utilising Cosmic RadiationObtaining Energy From Radioactive Sources; Applications of Radiation From Radioactive Sources, Not Otherwise Provided for; Utilising Cosmic Radiation1,2271.5%
8G21J, Nuclear Explosives; Applications ThereofNuclear Explosives; Applications Thereof580.1%

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

atomic energy

8 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

Navigate with arrow keys, Enter to open

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filings, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. CHINA GENERAL NUCLEAR POWER CORPORATION 2,364
  2. CGN POWER COMPANY 1,899
  3. CHINA NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY 1,870
  4. NUCLEAR POWER INSTITUTE OF CHINA 1,517
  5. KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE KR 1,367
  6. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION US 1,295
  7. KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER COMPANY KR 1,196
  8. CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 1,044
  9. CHINA INSTITUTE OF ATOMIC ENERGY 1,011
  10. HITACHI-GE NUCLEAR ENERGY 955