WIPO Lex, Member Profile, Germany

About Intellectual Property IP Training Respect for IP IP Outreach IP for… IP and... IP in... Patent & Technology Information Trademark Information Industrial Design Information Geographical Indication Information Plant Variety Information (UPOV) IP Laws, Treaties & Judgements IP Resources IP Reports Patent Protection Trademark Protection Industrial Design Protection Geographical Indication Protection Plant Variety Protection (UPOV) IP Dispute Resolution IP Office Business Solutions Paying for IP Services Negotiation & Decision-Making Development Cooperation Innovation Support Public-Private Partnerships AI Tools & Services The Organization Working with WIPO Accountability Patents Trademarks Industrial Designs Geographical Indications Copyright Trade Secrets WIPO Academy Workshops & Seminars IP Enforcement WIPO ALERT Raising Awareness World IP Day WIPO Magazine Case Studies & Success Stories IP News WIPO Awards Business Universities Indigenous Peoples Judiciaries Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions Economics Finance Intangible Assets Gender Equality Global Health Climate Change Competition Policy Sustainable Development Goals Frontier Technologies Mobile Applications Sports Tourism PATENTSCOPE Patent Analytics International Patent Classification ARDI – Research for Innovation ASPI – Specialized Patent Information Global Brand Database Madrid Monitor Article 6ter Express Database Nice Classification Vienna Classification Global Design Database International Designs Bulletin Hague Express Database Locarno Classification Lisbon Express Database Global Brand Database for GIs PLUTO Plant Variety Database GENIE Database WIPO-Administered Treaties WIPO Lex - IP Laws, Treaties & Judgments WIPO Standards IP Statistics WIPO Pearl (Terminology) WIPO Publications Country IP Profiles WIPO Knowledge Center WIPO Technology Trends Global Innovation Index World Intellectual Property Report PCT – The International Patent System ePCT Budapest – The International Microorganism Deposit System Madrid – The International Trademark System eMadrid Article 6ter (armorial bearings, flags, state emblems) Hague – The International Design System eHague Lisbon – The International System of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications eLisbon UPOV PRISMA UPOV e-PVP Administration UPOV e-PVP DUS Exchange Mediation Arbitration Expert Determination Domain Name Disputes Centralized Access to Search and Examination (CASE) Digital Access Service (DAS) WIPO Pay Current Account at WIPO WIPO Assemblies Standing Committees Calendar of Meetings WIPO Webcast WIPO Official Documents Development Agenda Technical Assistance IP Training Institutions COVID-19 Support National IP Strategies Policy & Legislative Advice Cooperation Hub Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) Technology Transfer Inventor Assistance Program WIPO GREEN WIPO's Pat-INFORMED Accessible Books Consortium WIPO for Creators WIPO Translate Speech-to-Text Classification Assistant Member States Observers Director General Activities by Unit External Offices Job Vacancies Procurement Results & Budget Financial Reporting Oversight

Main IP Laws (8 texts)

Title	Version	Dates	Subject Matter
Act on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs	2023	Amended up to : October 8, 2023 Entry into force : June 1, 2004 Promulgated : October 25, 1994	Trademarks Geographical Indications Trade Names
Act on Copyright and Related Rights (Copyright Act, as amended up to Act of June 23, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : June 23, 2021 Promulgated : September 9, 1965	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Act on the Legal Protection of Designs	2021	Amended up to : August 10, 2021 Promulgated : March 12, 2004	Industrial Designs
Act on the Protection of Topographies of Microelectronic Semiconductor Products (Semiconductor Protection Act, as amended up to Act of August 10, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : August 10, 2021 Promulgated : October 22, 1987	Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
Patent Act (as amended up to Act of 30 August 2021)	2021	Amended up to : August 30, 2021 Promulgated : May 5, 1936	Patents (Inventions)
Plant Variety Protection Act (as amended up to Act of August 10, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : August 10, 2021 Promulgated : December 11, 1985	Plant Variety Protection
Utility Model Act (as amended up to Act of August 10, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : August 10, 2021 Promulgated : August 28, 1986	Utility Models
Act on the Protection of Trade Secrets of 18 April 2019 (Trade Secrets Act)	2019	Promulgated : April 18, 2019	Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

Laws/Regulations (79 texts)

Type of Text	Title	Version	Dates	Subject Matter
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation Concerning the Implementation of the Trademark Act	2021	Amended up to : August 18, 2021 Entry into force : June 1, 2004 Issued : May 11, 2004	Trademarks Geographical Indications
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on the Implementation of the Design Act	2021	Amended up to : August 18, 2021 Entry into force : January 10, 2014 Issued : January 2, 2014	Industrial Designs
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on Electronic Legal Transactions with the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended by Regulation of April 4, 2016)	2016	Entry into force : November 12, 2013 Issued : November 1, 2013	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Industrial Designs Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on the Electronic Filing at the Patent Office, the Patent Court and the Federal Supreme Court (as amended up to Regulation of April 4, 2016)	2016	Entry into force : March 1, 2010 Issued : February 10, 2010	Patents (Inventions)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended up to Ordinance of April 4, 2016)	2016	Issued : April 1, 2004	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Industrial Designs Trademarks Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Order on the Administrative Costs of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (as amended up to Act of August 31, 2015)	2015	Entry into force : October 1, 2006 Promulgated : July 14, 2006	Industrial Property
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on Administrative Costs before the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended up to Regulation of August 31, 2015)	2015	Entry into force : October 1, 2006 Issued : July 14, 2006	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Ordinance on the Execution of Individual Trades Subject to the Examination Centers, the Utility Model Office, the Trademark Agencies and the Departments of the Patent Office (Ordinance)	2014	Entry into force : January 1, 1995 Adopted : December 14, 1994	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Trademarks Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation of January 2, 2014 for Further Modernization of the Design Act and Introduction of the Invalidity Procedure in Design Matters	2014	Entry into force : July 1, 2014 Adopted : January 2, 2014	Industrial Designs
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Ordinance on Electronic Legal Transactions with the German Patent and Trademark Office and on Amendments to Other Regulations for the German Patent and Trademark Office	2013	Entry into force : December 1, 2013 Adopted : November 1, 2013	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Industrial Designs Trademarks Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Ordinance on Patent Procedures before the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (Patent Ordinance of September 1, 2003, as amended up to Ordinance of December 10, 2012)	2013	Entry into force : October 15, 2003 Adopted : September 1, 2003	Patents (Inventions) IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Ordinance on Payment of Costs of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and of the Federal Patent Court (Patent Costs Payment Ordinance, as amended up to Regulation of November 1, 2013)	2013	Entry into force : January 1, 2004 Issued : October 15, 2003	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Utility Model Regulations (Utility Model Regulation of May 11, 2004, as amended up to the Regulation of December 10, 2012)	2012	Entry into force : June 1, 2004 Adopted : May 11, 2004	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice in respect of the Patent Centres Authorised to Receive Applications for Patents, Utility Models, Trade Marks and Designs (published on April 9, 2009 by the the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 815)	2009	Adopted : April 9, 2009	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Industrial Designs Trademarks IP Regulatory Body Industrial Property
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation Implementing Semiconductor Protection Act (Regulations on Semiconductor Protection Applications, as amended by Regulation of December 17, 2004)	2004	Entry into force : June 1, 2004 Issued : May 11, 2004	Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on the Register of Anonymous and Pseudonymous Works (as amended up to Act of December 13, 2001)	2002	Entry into force : January 1, 1966 Issued : December 18, 1965	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on of February 22, 2001 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 341)	2001	Adopted : February 22, 2001	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on September 27, 2000 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1416)	2001	Adopted : September 27, 2000	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of April 14, 1999, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 767)	1999	Issued : July 20, 1999	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of April 14, 1999, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 767)	1999	Issued : May 21, 1999	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of May 21, 1999, Federal Law Gazette Part I, p. 1095)	1999	Adopted : July 15, 1999	Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of November 27, 1998, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 3538)	1999	Adopted : April 14, 1999	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on April 6, 1999 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 648)	1999	Issued : April 6, 1999	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on November 5, 1999 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 2193)	1999	Adopted : November 5, 1999	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of 23 September 1997, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 2462)	1998	Adopted : March 23, 1998	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of May 20, 1998, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1216)	1998	Adopted : July 10, 1998	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of July 10, 1998, Federal Law Gazette Part I, p. 1870)	1998	Issued : September 23, 1998	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation Concerning the Payment of Fees to the German Patent Office and the Federal Patent Court (as amended on October 31, 1998)	1998	Entry into force : October 26, 1991 Adopted : October 15, 1991	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation on the Execution of the Trademark Law (Trademark Regulations)	1998	Entry into force : December 7, 1994 Issued : November 30, 1994	Trademarks Geographical Indications Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of August 27, 1996, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1358)	1997	Adopted : March 10, 1997 Entry into force : January 1, 1997	Trademarks
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of March 10, 1997, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 551)	1997	Adopted : September 23, 1997	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Order Concerning Patent Applications	1997	Adopted : May 29, 1981	Patents (Inventions) IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of 13 May 1996, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 747)	1996	Adopted : August 27, 1996	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation Concerning Patent Applications	1994	Entry into force : June 25, 1981 Adopted : May 29, 1981	Patents (Inventions) Plant Variety Protection
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulation Concerning the Mediation Body for Copyright Disputes	1994	Adopted : December 20, 1985	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
IP-related Laws	Patent Attorney Code	2023	Amended up to : March 10, 2023 Promulgated : September 7, 1966	Patents (Inventions)
IP-related Laws	Act on Costs of the German Patent and Trademark Office and the Federal Patent Court	2021	Amended up to : August 30, 2021 Promulgated : December 13, 2001	Industrial Property Patents (Inventions)
IP-related Laws	Act on Employee's Inventions	2021	Amended up to : July 7, 2021 Promulgated : July 25, 1957	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models
IP-related Laws	Act on the Management of Copyright and Related Rights by Collecting Societies (Collecting Societies Act, as amended up to Act of May 31, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : May 31, 2021 Promulgated : May 24, 2016	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Act relating to the Convention on the Unification of Certain Points of Substantive Law on Patents for Invention of November 27, 1963, the Patent Cooperation Treaty of June 19, 1970, and the European Patent Convention of October 5, 1973 (Act on International Patent Treaties, as amended up to Act of August 20, 2021)	2021	Amended up to : August 20, 2021 Promulgated : June 21, 1976	Patents (Inventions)
IP-related Laws	Act on the New Rules Regarding the Protection of Secrets in case of the Participation of Third Parties in the Exercise of Profession of Persons Subject to Duty of Secrecy	2018	Adopted : October 30, 2017	Other
IP-related Laws	Act on Measures for the Promotion of German Films (Film Promotion Act)	2017	Entry into force : January 1, 2017 Adopted : December 23, 2016	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Act on Telemedia (as amended up to Act of September 28, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : March 1, 2007 Adopted : February 26, 2007	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Other
IP-related Laws	Act Against Unfair Competition (as amended up to Law of February 17, 2016)	2016	Promulgated : July 3, 2004	Trade Names Competition Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)
IP-related Laws	Act on the Extension of Industrial Property Rights (Extension Act, as amended up to Act of 4 April 2016)	2016	Amended up to : April 4, 2016 Promulgated : April 23, 1992	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Trademarks Trade Names Geographical Indications
IP-related Laws	Act on the Reform of the Professional Statute of Attorneys and Patent Attorneys	2005	Adopted : September 2, 1994	Utility Models Other
IP-related Laws	Act on Publishing Rights (as amended March 22, 2002)	2002	Entry into force : January 1, 1902 Adopted : June 19, 1901	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Act on Comparative Advertising and to Amend Provisions of Competition Law	2000	Entry into force : September 2, 2000 Adopted : September 1, 2000	Trade Names Competition Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Other
IP-related Laws	Act Against Unfair Competition (as amended on June 22, 1998)	1998	Entry into force : October 10, 1909 Adopted : June 7, 1909	Trade Names Competition Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Act on the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks	1995	Entry into force : December 13, 1995 Promulgated : December 7, 1995	Trademarks
Framework Laws	Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (as amended up to Act of December 19, 2022)	2022	Amended up to : December 19, 2022 Promulgated : May 23, 1949	Other
Framework Laws	Civil Code (as amended up to Act of November 7, 2022)	2022	Amended up to : November 7, 2022 Promulgated : August 18, 1896	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Framework Laws	Code of Civil Procedure (as amended up to Act of November 7, 2022)	2022	Amended up to : November 7, 2022 Promulgated : December 5, 2005 Adopted : September 12, 1950	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Other
Framework Laws	Courts Constitution Act (as amended up to the Act of December 19, 2022)	2022	Amended up to : December 19, 2022 Promulgated : May 9, 1975 Adopted : September 12, 1950	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Framework Laws	Criminal Code (as amended up to Act of December 4, 2022)	2022	Amended up to : December 4, 2022 Promulgated : November 13, 1998 Entry into force : January 1, 1872 Adopted : May 15, 1871	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
Framework Laws	Code of Criminal Procedure (as amended up to Act of October 30, 2017)	2018	Entry into force : October 1, 1879 Adopted : February 1, 1877	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
Framework Laws	Act on Court Fees (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : October 1, 1879 Adopted : June 18, 1878	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Framework Laws	Act on Regulatory Offences (as amended up to the Act of August 27, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : October 1, 1968 Adopted : May 24, 1968	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
Framework Laws	Act on the Remuneration of Attorneys (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : July 1, 2004 Adopted : May 5, 2004	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Framework Laws	Administrative Procedure Act (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : January 1, 1977 Adopted : May 25, 1976	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Framework Laws	The German Judiciary Act (as amended up to Act of June 8, 2017)	2017	Entry into force : July 1, 1962 Adopted : September 8, 1961	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
Framework Laws	Mediation Act (as amended by the Tenth Regulation of August 31, 2015, on Competence Adjustment)	2015	Entry into force : July 26, 2012 Adopted : July 21, 2012	Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Other
Framework Laws	Act on the Modernization of the Law on Fees	2006	Adopted : May 5, 2004	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
Framework Laws	Law on the Strengthening of the Independence of Judges and Courts	1999	Adopted : December 22, 1999	Patents (Inventions)
Framework Laws	Act to Reform Arbitration Proceedings (Arbitration Proceedings Reform Act) (Excerpt relating to the Amendment of Section 17 of the Law on Employee Inventions)	1997	Adopted : December 22, 1997	Patents (Inventions) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Framework Laws	Act to Reform Arbitration Proceedings (Arbitration Proceedings Reform Act) (Excerpt relating to the Amendment of Section 18 of the Extension Law)	1997	Entry into force : January 1, 1998 Adopted : December 22, 1997	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs Trademarks Geographical Indications Plant Variety Protection Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Other Texts	Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans (Infection Protection Act, as amended up to Act of March 27, 2020)	2020	Entry into force : January 1, 2001 Promulgated : July 20, 2000	Patents (Inventions)
Other Texts	Act on the Protection of the Population in the Event of an Epidemic Situation of National Importance	2020	Entry into force : March 28, 2020 Promulgated : March 27, 2020	Patents (Inventions)
Other Texts	Act to Adapt Data Protection Law to the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and to Implement Directive (EU) 2016/680	2018	Adopted : June 30, 2017	Other
Other Texts	Wine Act (as amended up to Act of June 27, 2017)	2018	Promulgated : July 8, 1994	Geographical Indications
Other Texts	Act on the Conservation and Use of Federal Archival Records	2017	Entry into force : March 16, 2017 Adopted : March 10, 2017	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Other Texts	Wine Control Regulation (as amended up to Regulation of January 4, 2016)	2016	Entry into force : May 17, 1995 Issued : May 9, 1995	Geographical Indications
Other Texts	Act on Telecommunications (Act of June 22, 2004, amended up to the Act of June 20, 2013)	2013	Adopted : June 22, 2004	Competition Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Other Texts	Federal Act Governing Access to Information held by the Federal Government (Freedom of Information Act, as amended by Act of August 7, 2013)	2013	Entry into force : January 1, 2006 Adopted : September 5, 2005	Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Other
Other Texts	Act Implementing the UNESCO Convention of November 14, 1970	2008	Entry into force : February 29, 2008 Adopted : May 18, 2007	Other
Other Texts	Regulation on the Register of Valuable Cultural Property under the Act on the Return of Cultural Objects	2008	Adopted : October 15, 2008	Other
Other Texts	Act to Prevent the Exodus of German Cultural Property	2007	Adopted : August 6, 1955 Entry into force : January 1, 1955	Other
Other Texts	Act on Distance Contracts and other Matters of the Act relating to Consumers as well as on the Conversion of Provisions to Euro	2000	Promulgated : June 27, 2000	Trade Names Competition Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)
Other Texts	Federal Act Establishing the General Conditions for Information and Communication Services (Information and Communication Services Act)	1997	Entry into force : August 1, 1997 Adopted : July 22, 1997	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Other

Type of Text

Title

Version

Dates

Subject Matter

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation Concerning the Implementation of the Trademark Act

2021

Amended up to :

August 18, 2021

Entry into force :

June 1, 2004

Issued :

May 11, 2004

Trademarks

Geographical Indications

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on the Implementation of the Design Act

2021

Amended up to :

August 18, 2021

Entry into force :

January 10, 2014

Issued :

January 2, 2014

Industrial Designs

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on Electronic Legal Transactions with the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended by Regulation of April 4, 2016)

2016

Entry into force :

November 12, 2013

Issued :

November 1, 2013

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on the Electronic Filing at the Patent Office, the Patent Court and the Federal Supreme Court (as amended up to Regulation of April 4, 2016)

2016

Entry into force :

March 1, 2010

Issued :

February 10, 2010

Patents (Inventions)

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended up to Ordinance of April 4, 2016)

2016

Issued :

April 1, 2004

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Order on the Administrative Costs of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (as amended up to Act of August 31, 2015)

2015

Entry into force :

October 1, 2006

Promulgated :

July 14, 2006

Industrial Property

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on Administrative Costs before the German Patent and Trademark Office (as amended up to Regulation of August 31, 2015)

2015

Entry into force :

October 1, 2006

Issued :

July 14, 2006

Patents (Inventions)

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Ordinance on the Execution of Individual Trades Subject to the Examination Centers, the Utility Model Office, the Trademark Agencies and the Departments of the Patent Office (Ordinance)

2014

Entry into force :

January 1, 1995

Adopted :

December 14, 1994

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Trademarks

Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation of January 2, 2014 for Further Modernization of the Design Act and Introduction of the Invalidity Procedure in Design Matters

2014

Entry into force :

July 1, 2014

Adopted :

January 2, 2014

Industrial Designs

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Ordinance on Electronic Legal Transactions with the German Patent and Trademark Office and on Amendments to Other Regulations for the German Patent and Trademark Office

2013

Entry into force :

December 1, 2013

Adopted :

November 1, 2013

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Ordinance on Patent Procedures before the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (Patent Ordinance of September 1, 2003, as amended up to Ordinance of December 10, 2012)

2013

Entry into force :

October 15, 2003

Adopted :

September 1, 2003

Patents (Inventions)

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Ordinance on Payment of Costs of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and of the Federal Patent Court (Patent Costs Payment Ordinance, as amended up to Regulation of November 1, 2013)

2013

Entry into force :

January 1, 2004

Issued :

October 15, 2003

Patents (Inventions)

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Utility Model Regulations (Utility Model Regulation of May 11, 2004, as amended up to the Regulation of December 10, 2012)

2012

Entry into force :

June 1, 2004

Adopted :

May 11, 2004

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice in respect of the Patent Centres Authorised to Receive Applications for Patents, Utility Models, Trade Marks and Designs (published on April 9, 2009 by the the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 815)

2009

Adopted :

April 9, 2009

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

IP Regulatory Body

Industrial Property

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation Implementing Semiconductor Protection Act (Regulations on Semiconductor Protection Applications, as amended by Regulation of December 17, 2004)

2004

Entry into force :

June 1, 2004

Issued :

May 11, 2004

Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits

Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on the Register of Anonymous and Pseudonymous Works (as amended up to Act of December 13, 2001)

2002

Entry into force :

January 1, 1966

Issued :

December 18, 1965

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on of February 22, 2001 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 341)

2001

Adopted :

February 22, 2001

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on September 27, 2000 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1416)

2001

Adopted :

September 27, 2000

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of April 14, 1999, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 767)

1999

Issued :

July 20, 1999

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of April 14, 1999, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 767)

1999

Issued :

May 21, 1999

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of May 21, 1999, Federal Law Gazette Part I, p. 1095)

1999

Adopted :

July 15, 1999

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of November 27, 1998, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 3538)

1999

Adopted :

April 14, 1999

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on April 6, 1999 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 648)

1999

Issued :

April 6, 1999

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice of Patent Information Centers Authorized to Accept Patent and Utility Model Applications (published on November 5, 1999 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 2193)

1999

Adopted :

November 5, 1999

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of 23 September 1997, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 2462)

1998

Adopted :

March 23, 1998

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of May 20, 1998, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1216)

1998

Adopted :

July 10, 1998

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of July 10, 1998, Federal Law Gazette Part I, p. 1870)

1998

Issued :

September 23, 1998

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation Concerning the Payment of Fees to the German Patent Office and the Federal Patent Court (as amended on October 31, 1998)

1998

Entry into force :

October 26, 1991

Adopted :

October 15, 1991

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation on the Execution of the Trademark Law (Trademark Regulations)

1998

Entry into force :

December 7, 1994

Issued :

November 30, 1994

Trademarks

Geographical Indications

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of August 27, 1996, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 1358)

1997

Adopted :

March 10, 1997

Entry into force :

January 1, 1997

Trademarks

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and Other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of March 10, 1997, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 551)

1997

Adopted :

September 23, 1997

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Order Concerning Patent Applications

1997

Adopted :

May 29, 1981

Patents (Inventions)

IP Regulatory Body

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Notice Concerning Section 8 of the Law on the Protection of Trade Marks and other Signs (published in accordance with the announcement of 13 May 1996, Federal Law Gazette, Part I, p. 747)

1996

Adopted :

August 27, 1996

Trademarks

Trade Names

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation Concerning Patent Applications

1994

Entry into force :

June 25, 1981

Adopted :

May 29, 1981

Patents (Inventions)

Plant Variety Protection

Implementing Rules/Regulations

Regulation Concerning the Mediation Body for Copyright Disputes

1994

Adopted :

December 20, 1985

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

IP-related Laws

Patent Attorney Code

2023

Amended up to :

March 10, 2023

Promulgated :

September 7, 1966

Patents (Inventions)

2021

Amended up to :

August 30, 2021

Promulgated :

December 13, 2001

Industrial Property

Patents (Inventions)

IP-related Laws

Act on Employee's Inventions

2021

Amended up to :

July 7, 2021

Promulgated :

July 25, 1957

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

2021

Amended up to :

May 31, 2021

Promulgated :

May 24, 2016

2021

Amended up to :

August 20, 2021

Promulgated :

June 21, 1976

Patents (Inventions)

2018

Adopted :

October 30, 2017

Other

2017

Entry into force :

January 1, 2017

Adopted :

December 23, 2016

2017

Entry into force :

March 1, 2007

Adopted :

February 26, 2007

Other

2016

Promulgated :

July 3, 2004

Trade Names

Competition

Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

2016

Amended up to :

April 4, 2016

Promulgated :

April 23, 1992

Patents (Inventions)

Utility Models

Trademarks

Trade Names

Geographical Indications

2005

Adopted :

September 2, 1994

Utility Models

Other

IP-related Laws

Act on Publishing Rights (as amended March 22, 2002)

2002

Entry into force :

January 1, 1902

Adopted :

June 19, 1901

2000

Entry into force :

September 2, 2000

Adopted :

September 1, 2000

Trade Names

Competition

Other

1998

Entry into force :

October 10, 1909

Adopted :

June 7, 1909

Trade Names

Competition

Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

1995

Entry into force :

December 13, 1995

Promulgated :

December 7, 1995

Trademarks

Framework Laws

Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (as amended up to Act of December 19, 2022)

2022

Amended up to :

December 19, 2022

Promulgated :

May 23, 1949

Other

Framework Laws

Civil Code (as amended up to Act of November 7, 2022)

2022

Amended up to :

November 7, 2022

Promulgated :

August 18, 1896

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Framework Laws

Code of Civil Procedure (as amended up to Act of November 7, 2022)

2022

Amended up to :

November 7, 2022

Promulgated :

December 5, 2005

Adopted :

September 12, 1950

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Other

Framework Laws

Courts Constitution Act (as amended up to the Act of December 19, 2022)

2022

Amended up to :

December 19, 2022

Promulgated :

May 9, 1975

Adopted :

September 12, 1950

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Framework Laws

Criminal Code (as amended up to Act of December 4, 2022)

2022

Amended up to :

December 4, 2022

Promulgated :

November 13, 1998

Entry into force :

January 1, 1872

Adopted :

May 15, 1871

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Other

Framework Laws

Code of Criminal Procedure (as amended up to Act of October 30, 2017)

2018

Entry into force :

October 1, 1879

Adopted :

February 1, 1877

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Other

Framework Laws

Act on Court Fees (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)

2017

Entry into force :

October 1, 1879

Adopted :

June 18, 1878

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Framework Laws

Act on Regulatory Offences (as amended up to the Act of August 27, 2017)

2017

Entry into force :

October 1, 1968

Adopted :

May 24, 1968

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Other

Framework Laws

Act on the Remuneration of Attorneys (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)

2017

Entry into force :

July 1, 2004

Adopted :

May 5, 2004

Patents (Inventions)

Trademarks

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Framework Laws

Administrative Procedure Act (as amended up to Act of July 18, 2017)

2017

Entry into force :

January 1, 1977

Adopted :

May 25, 1976

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Framework Laws

The German Judiciary Act (as amended up to Act of June 8, 2017)

2017

Entry into force :

July 1, 1962

Adopted :

September 8, 1961

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Other

Framework Laws

Mediation Act (as amended by the Tenth Regulation of August 31, 2015, on Competence Adjustment)

2015

Entry into force :

July 26, 2012

Adopted :

July 21, 2012

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Other

Framework Laws

Act on the Modernization of the Law on Fees

2006

Adopted :

May 5, 2004

Enforcement of IP and Related Laws

Other

Framework Laws

Law on the Strengthening of the Independence of Judges and Courts

1999

Adopted :

December 22, 1999

Patents (Inventions)

Framework Laws

Act to Reform Arbitration Proceedings (Arbitration Proceedings Reform Act) (Excerpt relating to the Amendment of Section 17 of the Law on Employee Inventions)

1997

Adopted :

December 22, 1997

Patents (Inventions)

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Framework Laws

Act to Reform Arbitration Proceedings (Arbitration Proceedings Reform Act) (Excerpt relating to the Amendment of Section 18 of the Extension Law)

1997

Entry into force :

January 1, 1998

Adopted :

December 22, 1997

Patents (Inventions)

Industrial Designs

Trademarks

Geographical Indications

Plant Variety Protection

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Other Texts

Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans (Infection Protection Act, as amended up to Act of March 27, 2020)

2020

Entry into force :

January 1, 2001

Promulgated :

July 20, 2000

Patents (Inventions)

Other Texts

Act on the Protection of the Population in the Event of an Epidemic Situation of National Importance

2020

Entry into force :

March 28, 2020

Promulgated :

March 27, 2020

Patents (Inventions)

Other Texts

Act to Adapt Data Protection Law to the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and to Implement Directive (EU) 2016/680

2018

Adopted :

June 30, 2017

Other

Other Texts

Wine Act (as amended up to Act of June 27, 2017)

2018

Promulgated :

July 8, 1994

Geographical Indications

Other Texts

Act on the Conservation and Use of Federal Archival Records

2017

Entry into force :

March 16, 2017

Adopted :

March 10, 2017

Other Texts

Wine Control Regulation (as amended up to Regulation of January 4, 2016)

2016

Entry into force :

May 17, 1995

Issued :

May 9, 1995

Geographical Indications

Other Texts

Act on Telecommunications (Act of June 22, 2004, amended up to the Act of June 20, 2013)

2013

Adopted :

June 22, 2004

Competition

Other Texts

Federal Act Governing Access to Information held by the Federal Government (Freedom of Information Act, as amended by Act of August 7, 2013)

2013

Entry into force :

January 1, 2006

Adopted :

September 5, 2005

Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

Other

Other Texts

Act Implementing the UNESCO Convention of November 14, 1970

2008

Entry into force :

February 29, 2008

Adopted :

May 18, 2007

Other

Other Texts

Regulation on the Register of Valuable Cultural Property under the Act on the Return of Cultural Objects

2008

Adopted :

October 15, 2008

Other

Other Texts

Act to Prevent the Exodus of German Cultural Property

2007

Adopted :

August 6, 1955

Entry into force :

January 1, 1955

Other

Other Texts

Act on Distance Contracts and other Matters of the Act relating to Consumers as well as on the Conversion of Provisions to Euro

2000

Promulgated :

June 27, 2000

Trade Names

Competition

Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)

Other Texts

Federal Act Establishing the General Conditions for Information and Communication Services (Information and Communication Services Act)

1997

Entry into force :

August 1, 1997

Adopted :

July 22, 1997

Other

Germany

(87 texts)

Main IP Laws (8 texts)

Laws/Regulations (79 texts)