The Patentatlas by Greif and Schmiedl (2002) represents an important source for patent data in Germany. Its use for industry-specific studies is however problematic because the correct assignment of patent data classified by technological fields to commonly used industry classifications is unclear. This paper presents an application-oriented approach to this issue. In using industry-specific R&D employment numbers on a regional level, an approximate concordance is developed between the 31 technological fields of the Patentatlas and 21 manufacturing industries, as defined by the German Industry Classification.