A multilayer protective tape for rotor blades of wind energy turbines said tape having a protective top layer comprising a polymer film and an adhesive bottom layer, wherein the top layer has a continuous surface (S) that is outwardly curved or outwardly trapezoidal surface such that the tape has a cross-sectional profile having an inner section between two lateral sections and wherein the inner section has a thickness (Ti) made up by the thickness of the top layer and adhesive bottom layer that is greater than the thickness of at least one of the lateral sections (T1,T2) made up by the thickness of the top layer and adhesive bottom layer and wherein the thickness (T1 or T2) of at least one lateral section is at most 600 μm and the thickness of the inner section (Ti) is at least 330 μm. Also provided are processes for making profiled tapes and methods for applying the tapes to rotor blades and blades containing protective tapes.