In the paper, there is presented a historical background of the manufacture of milk products in Poland and in other parts of the world. A list of the most important milk products appearing typical and genuine for a particular world region is included. With regard to region-specific cheeses, two systems of their protection exist, which are successfully implemented and applied in five countries: PDO, which stands for a System of Protection of Designation of Origin, and PGI that stands for a System of Protection of Geographical Indication. The authors also briefly depict the current situation of manufacturing regional cheeses in Poland, with special accent out on the Polish “oscypek” cheese.