IPC 1071

Abstract

<strong>Purpose</strong> The purpose of this standard is to assist printed board (PB) manufacturers in the development of requirements for the protection of intellectual property (IP) for their customers in commercial, industrial, and military and other high reliability markets. This standard will focus on protection of the inherent IP designed into the printed board such that IP flows from the customer to the PB manufacturer and IP that is incorporated into the PB is protected. Patent and other such "forever protection" of the manufactured product is beyond the scope of this document. <br><strong>Levels of Intellectual Property Protection</strong> This standard recognizes that electrical and electronic products are subject to classifications by intended end-item use. Additionally, different manufacturers may desire different levels of IP protection. Three levels of IP protection have been established to reflect the differences in IP protection. <br><strong>Selection of IP Level</strong> The user is responsible for selecting the desired level of IP protection. The procurement documentation or data package shall state the IP level and any exceptions to specific parameters, where appropriate. <br>Criteria defined in this document reflect three classes, which are as follows. <br><strong>Level 1: Basic Intellectual Property Protection</strong> This level of requirements provides good intellectual property protection and is best suited for high volume consumer goods. Items may be manufactured globally under Level 1 IP protection. <br><strong>Level 2: High Intellectual Property Protection</strong> This level of requirements provides a higher level of intellectual property protection and is best suited for high value goods. In most cases, items may be manufactured globally under Level 2 IP protection. <br><strong>Level 3: Advanced Level for Military, Government, and Commercial Intellectual Property Protection</strong> This level of requirements provides the highest intellectual property protection and is best suited for military and other high security systems. Items manufactured under Level 3 IP protection must be manufactured in the United States or in a State Department and DoD (or other appropriate government agency) approved location under the strict supervision of employees with U.S. or other required citizenship or residency status.