4 steps to protect what you create.

You've spent months on a design. Then you spot it — an almost identical frame on a competitor's shelf. Lower price. Same look. Your hard work, copied.

Here's how to protect your designs before that happens 

1. Secure Design Patents

Your strongest weapon. BOLON patented a "butterfly-shaped" sunglass design. A competitor copied it — and was ordered to pay ¥1.2 million ($165K+) in damages.

Action: File before launch. Cover China, EU, US.

2. Register Your Trademark 

If you don't register in your target markets, someone else will — and you'll lose your own brand name.

Action: Register in every market you plan to sell. Monitor for infringements.

3. Copyright Your Works 

Design sketches are automatically protected, but registration makes enforcement easier.

Shenzhen Eyewear IP Station has helped brands complete 2,000+ copyright registrations using blockchain timestamping.

Action: Register key sketches. Keep dated records.

4. Get It in Writing — ODM Contract Clauses 

Never assume designs are yours. Put it in the contract.

Must-haves: Ownership clause, confidentiality, non-disclosure, mold ownership.

Red flag: A factory that hesitates to sign clear IP clauses.

The Bottom Line

Patents. Trademarks. Copyrights. Contracts. Four layers of armor.

Want to protect your next collection? DM me.