1. Sign an agreement before you share anything
Get a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed before you send drawings, files or detailed descriptions. Many founders working with Chinese manufacturers also use an NNN agreement (non-disclosure, non-use, non-circumvention), which additionally covers using your design for other customers and going around you to sell directly. Agreements written to be enforceable in China are generally more useful there than ones governed only by foreign law.
2. Know that China is “first to file”
China generally grants patent and trademark rights to whoever files first, not to whoever invented or used something first. A patent or trademark registered only in your home country usually does not protect you in China. If you manufacture there, filing in China early matters.
3. Pick the right kind of Chinese patent
China has three types of patents:
- Invention patent — for new technical solutions; the strongest protection, with substantive examination, so it takes longer to obtain.
- Utility model patent — for the shape or structure of a product; usually faster to obtain.
- Design patent — for the appearance of a product: shape, pattern or color.
For a new robot body, a design patent covers the look — often the first thing a copier imitates. Which types make sense depends on your product; a qualified patent agent can advise.
4. Register your brand name in China
Trademarks are first-to-file too. If you plan to make or sell under a brand, consider registering it in China, including a Chinese-language version if you will use one.
5. Share only what each supplier needs
Not every supplier needs the full picture. Splitting work so that no single party holds every file, and keeping firmware and AI configuration under your control, reduces exposure.
6. Clarify tooling and mold ownership
If new molds are made for your product, agree in writing who owns them and what happens to them if you change suppliers.
7. Keep records
Keep dated design files, emails and signed agreements. If a dispute comes up, clear records help.
How Tecpan helps
We sign an NDA before you share any details, help you file patents in China, and our legal team supports you if infringement happens. Additional terms such as NNN agreements and mold/tooling ownership: [to be confirmed]. Read more on our IP protection page.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Specific terms, prices and timelines are confirmed per project.
