PTAB Trends: Most Common CPCs

When it comes to PTAB proceedings, which CPC classes are the most common?

This fall marks the tenth anniversary of post-grant proceedings at the PTAB, and some interesting trends have emerged regarding which technologies, firms, and expert witnesses have been most active when it comes to IPR, PGR, and CBM. 

This ongoing series examines these trends to help you grow your post-grant practice, hire the best experts, and optimize litigation at the PTAB. See the data in our on-demand webinar, and make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for the latest. 

Most Common CPC Sections

Here, we look at the CPC sections that are the most commonly seen in PTAB proceedings. For this specific analysis, we analyzed data from 2013 to the present. This research was conducted in September 2022. 

As you can see, three sections dominate, making up around 80% of the filings. Section G covers physics, Section H covers electricity patents, and Section A covers human necessities.

On the other end of the scale, section D, textiles and paper, has averaged approximately one trial per year since 2013.

Most Common CPC Subgroups

Using the same database that powers Juristat PTAB Expert Search, we analyzed disposed PTAB trials with initial filing dates between 2017-2021. Below are the most common CPC subgroups we found. This research was conducted in September 2022. 

As expected, subgroups from sections G and H make up most of this ranking. Among these top 11 subgroups, we found five within CPC section H and five from section G. Rounding out the list is subgroup A24F 47/008. As expected, subgroups from sections G and H make up most of this ranking of top subgroups.

Looking at this more granular data, you’ll note that some CPC subgroups are more prolific than entire CPC sections. In fact, in the five-year period observed, the H subgroup saw more trials than the D section did since 2013, as shown in the previous graph.

You can take a deeper look at this data in our on-demand webinar, What's Trending at the PTAB: The Top Firms, Companies, Experts and More. 

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