How do I protect my design or IP when sourcing in China?

By I&R Group, Jiaxing. Reviewed October 3, 2026.

Share only what the factory needs, sign an NNN agreement (non-use, non-disclosure, non-circumvention) adapted to China, and split sensitive parts across suppliers when the design is critical. Register your trademark in China if you sell under a brand. No document removes all risk, but a clear NNN with a verified factory and staged disclosure lowers it a lot.

• Use an NNN agreement written for China, not a generic NDA.
• Disclose in stages; split critical parts across suppliers.
• Register your trademark in China if you sell under a brand.