Design protection is, understandably, one of the most sensitive topics for any brand working with an overseas manufacturer for the first time. Stories of design leakage — a custom bag appearing under a different brand name in a competitor's catalog — circulate in industry circles and create genuine hesitation among new wholesale buyers. At VELA, we believe that addressing this concern directly, concretely, and without evasion is the foundation of a trustworthy manufacturing relationship.
VELA signs a bilateral Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before any design files, tech packs, brand materials, or proprietary specifications are exchanged. Our standard NDA covers:
The NDA is enforceable under Chinese civil law and, where applicable, the legal frameworks of the client's home jurisdiction. Clients are welcome to have the agreement reviewed by their own legal counsel before signing — we encourage this, as a buyer who understands the agreement is a more confident partner.
When a client commissions custom hardware tooling at VELA — a branded turn-lock clasp, a custom zipper pull, a logo-engraved D-ring — the physical mold is the property of the client upon full payment of the tooling fee. VELA retains custody of the mold (physically stored in our hardware workshop) but may not use it to produce hardware for any other client without explicit written authorization. This exclusivity is documented in the purchase order and referenced in the NDA.
Mold ownership is confirmed in writing, with the mold registration number, dimensions, and associated product code included in the client's account documentation. If a client chooses to transfer production to another manufacturer, they may request the physical mold to be released to them or to a designated third party — a right VELA honors unconditionally.
Client design files — tech packs, pattern grading sheets, sample photos, and colorway specifications — are stored in a password-protected client folder on VELA's internal server. Access is restricted to the production team assigned to that client's account, the quality control supervisor, and senior management. Files are not shared across production teams, and finished sample photos are never used in VELA's marketing materials without explicit written permission from the client.
Production line workers receive physical cut tickets and pattern guides relevant only to their station — they are not given access to the full design specification or the client's brand identity. This compartmentalization limits design exposure within the factory environment.
VELA does not produce duplicates or near-duplicates of a client's commissioned designs for any other buyer. If a client develops a custom bag silhouette with VELA, that silhouette will not appear in VELA's general catalogue, on our trade show samples, or in samples shown to other potential clients without the originating client's written permission. This policy is maintained as a matter of commercial integrity — and because our long-term business depends on the trust of brands who invest in design development with us.
While VELA's contractual protections are robust, we also recommend that clients take independent steps to protect their designs:
We understand that handing a design to a factory requires a degree of trust that documentation alone cannot fully provide. What documentation can do is create accountability — a clear record of what was agreed, what is owned by whom, and what the consequences of a breach would be. VELA's contracts are designed to make that accountability explicit. Our commercial reputation, built over more than two decades in the industry, depends on honoring those commitments.
If you have specific intellectual property concerns, our commercial team is available to discuss them directly — and if needed, to connect you with our legal adviser for a formal consultation. We would rather address a concern upfront than have it stand between you and the partnership you are looking for.
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