FAQ
TL;DR: Forum consensus: focus on NDAs, vendor vetting, and software locks. One supplier cites 18 years experience and "support thousands start-up companies"—evidence that reputation matters. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
Why it matters: If you ship Gerbers, you need practical steps to keep your PCB IP from being copied by fabs or competitors; this FAQ is for hardware founders, engineers, and product teams.
Quick Facts
- NDA acceptance varies; some fabs sign and stamp, while others refuse—confirm policy before sharing files. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681087]
- Start with a small, non‑critical order when trying a new PCB house; check reviews and confidentiality policy. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681088]
- Real cloning risk often comes from competitors; protect value in firmware and software gating. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
- Legal routes exist: file a patent and add forensic marks if aligned with your strategy. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681090]
- Supplier longevity signals trust; one cited partner claims 18 years in the PCB field. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
How do I protect my PCB design when sending Gerber files to a manufacturer?
Use an NDA, vet the factory’s reputation, and keep key value in firmware. Send only manufacturing files, not source code. This aligns with advice that PCB is one part of the product; software and other components hold core IP. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681084]
Do NDAs actually work with overseas PCB fabs?
NDAs help, but enforcement depends on jurisdiction and resources. One poster warns, “An NDA isn’t worth the paper it’s written on unless you have an army of lawyers” across the same jurisdiction. Treat NDAs as deterrents plus leverage, not a cure‑all. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681086]
What if the factory refuses to sign my NDA?
Some manufacturers will decline. In that case, choose another vendor or limit shared detail. You can partition files, watermark artwork, and reserve sensitive layers until trust is established. Document your decision trail before placing orders. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681087]
Should I start with a small batch before scaling?
Yes. Begin with a small, lower‑risk order to assess quality and confidentiality practices. Verify years in business and reviews. This staged approach reduces exposure while you validate process control and communication. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681088]
Is patenting my design worth it at prototype stage?
It can be, if your claims are strong and you can enforce them. One contributor lists patent application as a protective step, alongside marks or traps. Align this with budget and time‑to‑market pressures. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681090]
Can I embed watermarks or traps in the PCB to catch cloning?
Yes. The thread suggests deliberate marks or minor bugs for forensics. Edge case: forgetting to remove a deliberate bug before production can cause field failures; track and gate these in your release checklist. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681090]
Will a contract manufacturer copy my product?
Posters argue reputable CMs focus on manufacturing, not competing. Damaged trust would cost them business. Example: big brands outsource yet retain IP. Still, verify policy and start small to build confidence. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681093]
Where is the bigger cloning risk—factory or competitors?
Competitors buying your product to reverse‑engineer can be the larger risk. Mitigate with firmware locks, activation keys, or cloud services. “Put your secret in your software” summarizes the strategy. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
What’s a Gerber file, in simple terms?
Gerbers are the standard 2D manufacturing files that describe each PCB layer for fabrication. They enable a fab to etch copper, drill, and mask without exposing your firmware or BOM decisions. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681083]
What is a turnkey manufacturer?
A turnkey manufacturer handles PCB fabrication plus parts sourcing, assembly, and delivery. The thread references turnkey contractors alongside PCB houses; still apply NDAs and staged orders. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681084]
How should I evaluate a PCB vendor’s trustworthiness?
Check years active, reputation, and explicit confidentiality policy. One vendor claims 18 years’ experience and support for thousands of startups—use such signals, then validate with a pilot order. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
Do I need to share firmware or only Gerbers for a board order?
For bare boards, send only Gerbers and drill/mask data. Keep firmware, source code, and sensitive logic private until assembly or test requires it. The thread stresses software holds core product value. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681084]
How do I send an NDA to a PCB fab? (3 steps)
- Email your NDA to the account or sales manager and request signature and stamp.
- Receive the countersigned document; verify legal names and jurisdiction.
- Share project files only after NDA confirmation and PO alignment. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681092]
Can I rely on NDAs alone for IP security?
No. Combine NDAs with technical measures and staged engagement. One expert notes NDAs without enforceability have limited value; use them with vendor vetting and software locks. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681086]
What simple tactics raise the barrier to cloning?
Use subtle board marks, version IDs, and test‑mode jumpers that require firmware enablement. Tie full function to software licensing and activation to prevent meaningful use without your code. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681090]
Any real‑world data showing experience matters?
Yes. A poster cites a partner with 18 years in the PCB field supporting thousands of startups. Experience plus scale correlates with process maturity and reputational risk awareness. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681094]
