In episode 277 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud explore how to avoid leaking your intellectual property (IP) when sourcing components during the product development process. While working with suppliers, especially overseas, is often necessary, it can also pose significant IP risks. This discussion breaks down the real-world scenarios, risks, and mitigation strategies to help manufacturers protect their innovations without slowing down production.
01:31 – Why Sourcing Creates IP Risks
07:02 – Real-World Example: Blender Copied by ODM
16:02 – When Volume Triggers Curiosity
21:06 – Why Total Secrecy Isn’t Always Realistic
27:06 – Partial Disclosure & Engineering Workarounds
33:04 – Vetting, Trust, and Strategic Disclosure
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