Protecting PCB Design IP from Manufacturers: Methods for Securing Gerber Files

How can I protect my PCB design from PCB manufacturers?

There are many ways to avoid your design being copied by the PCB manufacturers or even turnkey contractor manufacturer.NDA. You can request the manufacturer to sign the NDA with you. So you will get your design legally protected. Before I ordered PCB on ALLPCB.com, I sent the NDA to their manager ask sign and stamp. PCB is only a small part of the completed product. There are many things need to be done to get a real product, like components, software, enclosure etc. Without programming and software, you can not get a “product” run.The contract manufacturer won’t copy your design as their core business is different from yours. There are much more work need to be done rather than manufacturing a product, for example, sales & marketing etc.

NDA is the best way.

An NDA isn't worth the paper its written on unless you have an army of lawyers behind you, and the NDA  is between two parties in the same legal jurisdiction,cheers,Richard

Yes, It is but some manufacturers deny to sign that.

As Michael pointed out, the PCB manufacturer is in a different core business from yours. If it got around that they were stealing designs, they'd lose all their business so there is an incentive for them to not steal your design.So check that they have been in business for a while with good reviews before you place your order. And check what their policy is for keeping your design confidential.
An NDA may not hurt but I've never seen the need for one. Perhaps if I were buying PCB for a large company it would be different. But then I would still start with a small order for a less important part of the product when using a new company.

are u sure about that?

You should do these the following things, like this:
Application for patent;
Deliberately set some bugs or other marks.
Sign NDA if necessary.

Yes, I totally agree with you.

You can request the manufacturer to sign the NDA with you.Before I ordered PCB on PCBGOGO, I sent the NDA to their manager ask sign and stamp. 

There are many ways to avoid your design being copied by the PCB manufacturers or even turnkey contractor manufacturer.NDA. You can request the manufacturer to sign the NDA with you. So you will get your design legally protected.PCB is only a small part of the completed product. There are many things need to be done to get a real product, like components, software, enclosure etc. Without programming and software, you can not get a “product” run.The contract manufacturer won’t copy your design as their core business is different from yours. There are much more work need to be done rather than manufacturing a product, for example, sales & marketing etc.iPhone and iPad etc are produced by Foxcomm. They are so popular, but will Foxcomm copy the design and make his own products? No, they won’t.So stop thinking about it. And the image of China manufacturers may not the same as what you think. At least our company is not.

Normally signed a NDA with the PCB manufacturer,and should take care of their effect in the industry,like how much years they manufacturing in PCB field,how about the scale about them,how about their reputation in the industry.But in fact,the PCB factory have no need to copy or disclouse your design,they just OEM,you really need to care about is your competitor, they will buy your prodcut from the market,and copy them,how to avoid this ? To put your secret in your software, if they didn;t get your software, the hardware are trash.and expand your bsuiness quickly,then cut down your cost,emhance the entry threshold,you will dominate the market. I suggest you choose Headpcbas your PCB substractor, they have 18 years experience in the PCB field,and support thousands sart-up companies to expand business quickly these years. You worth be trusted.