Skip to content
Okatronic Logo

Legal

Intellectual Property Policy

Intellectual Property

1. General Principles

Okatronic respects and protects the intellectual property (IP) rights of our customers. This policy clearly defines IP ownership across different collaboration models.

2. Customer Ownership

2.1 "Customer-Provided Design" Model

When the customer provides the design (Gerber, schematic, BOM) and requests us to only manufacture:

  • Customer owns 100% IP of the design Okatronic has NO right to use, copy, or disclose the design Okatronic has NO right to manufacture for third parties Files are secured and returned/deleted upon request after the project

2.2 "Design Service" Model

When the customer hires Okatronic to design (from concept or specification):

  • Customer owns 100% IP of the design after full payment Okatronic transfers all design files, source code, documentation Customer has the right to freely use, modify, manufacture anywhere Okatronic retains rights to portfolio/case study (with customer approval)

2.3 "OEM/ODM" Model

There are 2 scenarios:

a) Customer IP-based ODM

  • Customer provides concept, specification
  • Okatronic designs and manufactures
  • Customer owns IP of the design
  • Okatronic has the right to manufacture for the customer but NOT to sell to third parties

b) Okatronic Platform-based ODM

  • Okatronic has ready platform/reference design
  • Customize for customer (branding, feature tweaks)
  • Okatronic retains IP of core platform
  • Customer owns customization and branding
  • Exclusive or non-exclusive depending on agreement

3. Collaborative Development IP

3.1 Joint Development

In cases where the customer and Okatronic jointly contribute to the design:

  • IP is jointly owned or divided according to contribution Specific agreements in the contract Regulations regarding commercialization, licensing rights

3.2 Derivative Works

If Okatronic modifies the customer's design:

  • Customer retains IP of the original design Customer owns IP of the modifications (after payment) Okatronic may use technical know-how for other projects (without direct copying)

4. Background IP

4.1 Okatronic's Background IP

Okatronic retains ownership of IPs available before the project:

  • Self-developed tools, libraries, frameworks Standard design practices, know-how Reusable modules (generic, not specific to customers)

4.2 Customer's Background IP

Customer retains ownership of their existing IPs:

  • Prior designs, patents, trademarks Proprietary algorithms, protocols Brand identity

5. Patents and Trademarks

5.1 Patent Filing

  • Customer has the right to file patents for the design (if they own the IP)
  • Okatronic will provide documentation support if needed
  • If inventions arise during development, ownership will be discussed

5.2 Trademarks and Branding

  • Customer retains 100% rights to their trademarks and branding
  • Okatronic does not use customer's brand without permission
  • Packaging, labels are controlled by the customer

6. Source Code and Firmware

6.1 Custom Firmware

Firmware developed for the customer's project:

  • Customer owns IP of the firmware Source code is transferred after payment Okatronic may reuse generic functions (not specific business logic)

6.2 Third-Party Libraries

  • Open-source libraries according to their licenses (MIT, GPL, etc.)
  • Commercial libraries according to license agreements
  • Okatronic will disclose all dependencies

7. Manufacturing Rights

7.1 Exclusive Manufacturing

If the customer requires exclusive manufacturing:

  • Okatronic commits NOT to manufacture for competitors Okatronic does NOT use the design for similar products Usually includes minimum order quantity (MOQ) commitment

7.2 Non-Exclusive

  • Customer is free to manufacture anywhere
  • Okatronic may accept orders from competitors (with separate NDA)
  • Pricing is usually better than exclusive

8. Data Ownership

8.1 Design Files

  • Gerber, schematic, PCB layout: Customer owns
  • DFM reports, test data: Customer owns
  • Manufacturing process data: Okatronic internal use

8.2 Test Data and Reports

  • Test results, QC reports: Customer owns
  • Provided with deliverables

9. Third-Party IP Compliance

9.1 Responsibility

  • Customer is responsible for ensuring the design does not infringe third-party IP
  • Okatronic will notify if potential infringement is discovered
  • Okatronic is not responsible for patent infringement caused by customer's design

9.2 Component IP

  • Components (IC, modules) according to manufacturer's licenses
  • Customer must comply with license terms when commercializing

10. IP Disputes and Resolution

10.1 Breach Handling

If there are disputes regarding IP ownership:

  1. Direct negotiation between both parties Third-party mediation if needed Arbitration or legal action (last resort)

10.2 Indemnification

  • Okatronic indemnifies the customer if IP is infringed due to our errors
  • Customer indemnifies Okatronic if customer's design infringes third-party IP

11. Export Control and Compliance

IP and technology transfer comply with:

  • Export control laws (US, EU, etc., if components come from there) Vietnam export regulations Customer's country import regulations

12. IP Protection Best Practices

Recommendations for Customers

  • Sign NDA before sharing design
  • Document everything: Emails, meeting notes about IP agreements
  • File patents before public disclosure
  • Register trademarks in target markets
  • Carefully review IP clauses in contracts

13. Contact

For questions about IP policy or to negotiate IP terms, please contact:

    Email: legal@okatronic.com Phone: 0955355688 This policy aims to protect the rights of both parties and ensure transparency in cooperation. All specific agreements will be clearly stated in each project's contract.

    Zalo