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“Inventions Can Change the World”

President of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) calls on inventors to protect their intellectual property comprehensively and in good time – DPMA and partner organisations provide information at the iENA trade fair in Nuremberg – free initial consultations for inventors offered by patent attorneys

Press release of 29 October 2026

Nuremberg/Munich. On the occasion of the international the international iENA inventors’ fair in Nuremberg, the President of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) is calling on inventors to ensure that their intellectual achievements are protected comprehensively and in good time. “Technical inventions can enrich and improve our daily lives – and, in some cases, even change the world,” emphasises the DPMA President. “However, inventors can only realise the full economic potential of their developments if they protect their inventions in good time by applying for patents or utility models, for example by filing an application with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.”

Patents grant applicants the exclusive right to use and commercialise their inventions for up to 20 years. Utility models provide similar protection for up to ten years. This enables rights holders to attract investment to commercialise their inventions, generate revenue through licensing fees or sell their inventions to companies.

DPMA exhibition stand: Information on intellectual property rights and funding programmes

At its stand at the iENA trade fair (31 October to 2 November), the DPMA will provide information on the opportunities offered by protecting technical inventions through patents and utility models, as well as by protecting trade marks and registered designs. Experts will be available throughout the three days of the fair (Hall 4, Stand A20).

Experts from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Bavarian innovation agency Bayern Innovativ will also be on hand to provide information. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy will advise visitors on funding opportunities for intellectual property applications.

In addition, a female and a male patent attorney will offer inventors free initial consultations. Appointments can be arranged at the DPMA stand.

Information for Inventors at www.dpma.de

On its website at www.dpma.de, the DPMA also provides independent inventors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with information on search options, licensing and funding programmes for intellectual property applications.

In its online gallery of invention posters, the Office showcases famous patented inventions from Germany dating back over the past 150 years. Some of these inventions were originally developed not by large companies or research institutions, but by independent inventors – including the thermos flask, the tea bag and the airbag.

The German Patent and Trade Mark Office

Inventiveness and creativity need effective protection. The DPMA is the German centre of expertise for all intellectual property rights – for patents, utility models, trade marks and designs. As the largest national patent office in Europe and the sixth largest national patent office in the world, it represents the future of Germany as a country of inventors in a globalised economy. Its approximately 2,800 employees at three locations – Munich, Jena and Berlin – provide services to inventors and companies. They implement the Federal Government's innovation strategies and further develop national, European and international protection systems.

Picture: iENA

Last updated: 29 October 2026