the film layers overlap with the electrode layers in an area region 4 and simultaneously with the passive non coated area of the ionomer membrane in an area region 5 on each side of the membrane the region covered or overlapped by the protective film layer is in the range of 0 5 to 20 of the total active area of the membrane the protective film may be made of a polymer that is more rigid than the ionomer membrane the thickness of the protective film is preferably in the range of 10 microns to 150 microns more preferably in the range of 80 to 120 microns which enables it to constitute a protection for the ionomer membrane against pressure impact wear heat drying out etc the protective film layer is tightly fixed onto the membrane it can be pre shaped and heat laminated or attached by an adhesive onto the membrane it can also be formed by coating by paste application printing process etc the non coated membrane area with an appropriate polymer paste or polymer emulsion the respective materials should be stable and resistant to the operating conditions of a pem fuel cell furthermore the materials should have high endurance and lifetime as.