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The DPMA at the Federal Government's Open Day in Berlin

"Patents made in Germany" – raising awareness of intellectual property

With its "Patents made in Germany" exhibition and accompanying quiz, the DPMA sparked visitors' interest in industrial property rights at the German Government's Open Day (on 23 and 24 August). The Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Dr Stefanie Hubig, visited the DMPA's infotainment stand and emphasised the importance of raising IP awareness among the general public.

Did you know? The X-ray tube was not invented by Conrad Röntgen, but by Reinhold Burger; the world's first electric tram (inventor: Werner von Siemens) went into operation in Berlin-Lichterfelde in 1881; and Melitta Bentz not only invented the coffee filter bag, but also registered her first name as a trademark for the product. This and more interesting facts from the world of inventions could be found in the poster exhibition "Patents made in Germany" and unravelled in the patent quiz. The solution and insight at the end: patents protect technical inventions for up to 20 years.

The inventors of tomorrow – Federal Minister Dr Stefanie Hubig in dialogue

The Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Dr Stefanie Hubig, did not miss the opportunity to take part in the quiz herself: "Protected innovations are essential for our prosperity and help to solve social problems. Patents protect against unwanted imitation and make inventions marketable. It is therefore extremely important to raise awareness of the great significance of intellectual property and industrial property rights," said the minister.

The youngest guests were also eager to participate and searched for the matching inventions for given patent drawings in the children's quiz. Among them was a patent drawing of Käthe Paulus' parcel parachute, which was available as a prize in toy format. Dr Hubig was delighted: "Children are the inventors of tomorrow. It's never too early to spark enthusiasm for inventions and patents."

Over 500 guests took part in the quiz and guessing games and were delighted with the poster exhibition as a notepad and many useful prizes: handy multifunctional tools that might help them tinker with new inventions. And food storage lids with DPMA branding, which protect yoghurt or cream cheese and thus promote the sustainable use of food.

Patents, career opportunities and lightbulb moments

For most visitors, who came from all over Germany, the topic of patents and industrial property rights in general was new territory. However, some were already familiar with the subject and asked our stand staff specific questions about technical and non-technical property rights or sought further information.

Our stand staff also spoke to a number of visitors about career opportunities at the DPMA: there was particular interest in entry requirements and qualifications for patent examination, as well as the wide range of dual training opportunities.

The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection welcomed a total of 2,535 visitors to its premises in Berlin during this year's Federal Government Open Day. Twenty-three exhibitors from the BMJV's area of responsibility were represented, including the Federal Office of Justice, the Federal Chamber of Notaries, the Consumer Advice Centre and various associations and organisations from the fields of justice and consumer protection.

Bilder: DPMA

Last updated: 25 August 2025