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Description

G99Z is a residual classification for physics-related inventions and technologies that do not fit within the more specific physics subclasses (G01–G98) of IPC Section G. This catch-all category captures novel or emerging physics applications, experimental apparatus, or interdisciplinary technologies where the primary technical character is physics-based but lacks a clearly defined home in the established classification scheme. Patents classified here typically represent edge cases, combinations of technologies, or genuinely new fields that predate formal classification development.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass G99Z recorded 121 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 20 in 2013 to 3 in 2023 (-85%), peaking at 21 applications in 2019. The most active applicants in class G99 are KOBORI SHIZU (32 applications), WANG LONG (16 applications) and GAO XUEFENG (15 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings