Yes, we take confidentiality very seriously and require mutual NDAs before any technical discussions — with strict IP protection policies, isolated design environments, and comprehensive security measures to protect your proprietary technology and business information.

NDA Process

Standard Mutual NDA:

• Type: Mutual (both parties protect each other's information)
• Duration: 3-5 years typical
• Scope: Technical information, business information, pricing
• Process: Request NDA template, review, execute, begin discussions
• Turnaround: 1-3 days for standard terms
• Contact: [email protected]

Customer NDA Template:

• Option: Use your company's NDA template
• Review: Our legal team reviews (typically 3-5 business days)
• Negotiation: Reasonable modifications accepted
• Execution: DocuSign or wet signature

Quick NDA for Initial Discussions:

• One-Page NDA: Simplified NDA for preliminary conversations
• Fast Execution: Same-day turnaround
• Upgrade: Full NDA before detailed technical disclosure

IP Protection Measures

Design Security:

• Isolated Environments: Your design files in separate, access-controlled systems
• Clean Room: No cross-contamination with other customer designs
• Access Control: Only assigned engineers access your files
• Audit Trail: Complete logging of file access and modifications
• Encryption: All data encrypted at rest and in transit

Physical Security:

• Secure Facilities: Badge access, security cameras, visitor logs
• Restricted Areas: Design areas require additional clearance
• Document Control: No unauthorized copying or removal of documents
• Visitor Escort: All visitors escorted at all times

Personnel Security:

• Background Checks: All engineers undergo background verification
• Confidentiality Agreements: All employees sign confidentiality agreements
• Training: Regular security and IP protection training
• Exit Procedures: Secure offboarding when engineers leave projects

IP Ownership

Customer Owns All Custom IP:

• Your Design: You own 100% of custom IP we develop for you
• No Reuse: We don't reuse your IP for other customers
• Source Code: You receive all RTL source code, scripts, documentation
• License: Perpetual, worldwide license to use and modify

Licensed IP:

• Third-Party IP: Standard IP (ARM, Synopsys, Cadence) licensed separately
• Our IP: Optional license to our standard IP libraries
• Terms: Negotiable (perpetual, per-design, royalty-based)

Foundry IP:

• Process IP: Standard cell libraries, I/O libraries from foundry
• License: Included with foundry access, customer can use

Security Certifications

ISO 27001: Information Security Management System certified SOC 2 Type II: Annual audit of security controls ITAR Registered: For defense and aerospace customers (US facility) GDPR Compliant: European data protection compliance

Data Protection

Data Storage:

• Encrypted: AES-256 encryption for all customer data
• Backup: Daily backups, geographically distributed
• Retention: Data retained per contract terms, securely deleted after
• Location: Data stored in customer-specified regions (US, EU, Asia)

Data Transfer:

• Secure Channels: SFTP, VPN, encrypted email for file transfer
• No Public Cloud: Customer data not stored in public cloud without approval
• Controlled Access: Only authorized personnel can transfer data

Data Disposal:

• Secure Deletion: DOD 5220.22-M standard wiping
• Certificate: Certificate of destruction provided
• Physical Media: Physical destruction of hard drives, tapes

Confidentiality Scope

Protected Information:

• Technical specifications and designs
• Business plans and strategies
• Pricing and cost information
• Customer lists and relationships
• Manufacturing processes and know-how
• Test data and characterization results

Exceptions (Standard):

• Information already public
• Information independently developed
• Information received from third party without restriction
• Information required by law to disclose

Additional Protection Options

Enhanced Security Package:

• Dedicated isolated network segment
• Hardware security modules (HSM)
• On-site customer security audits
• Custom security requirements
• Cost: $50K-$200K setup + $10K-$50K/year

Government/Defense Projects:

• ITAR compliance (US facility)
• Classified information handling
• US persons-only teams
• Secure compartmented information facility (SCIF) access
• Requirements: Security clearances, government approval

Contact for NDA:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (408) 555-0110
• Process: Request NDA, review, execute (1-3 days)

Chip Foundry Services is committed to protecting your confidential information with industry-leading security measures, strict policies, and comprehensive NDAs — your IP security is our top priority.