Technology Topic
IoT Patent Classification
The IPC gave the Internet of Things its own subclass in 2020: G16Y covers information and communication technology specially adapted for connected things, from smart homes to industrial sensor networks.
The radio side of IoT, network protocols, low-power connectivity, device management, classifies in H04W for wireless communication networks.
The classification codes that matter
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS…
IoT as such: architectures, data processing and applications for connected things. Dedicated subclass since 2020.
2018 → 2023: 313 → 4,522 filings (+1,345 %)
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Wireless networks: the connectivity layer that every IoT deployment builds on.
2018 → 2023: 100,798 → 101,506 filings (+1 %)
Who files here: top applicants
- 1 HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY (CN) 151,851
- 2 QUALCOMM (US) 97,396
- 3 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (KR) 88,439
- 4 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) (SE) 55,869
- 5 LG ELECTRONICS (KR) 53,649
IPC filings 2013–2023, aggregated across the codes above. Source: EPO PATSTAT.
Not sure which code fits?
Describe your technology in plain language and get matching IPC and CPC codes: