OEM Manufacturing
Mold & Tooling Ownership in OEM: Who Owns What
You paid $8,000 for the die. Who owns it? If the answer isn’t in writing, you have a future dispute.
The principle
Whoever pays, owns - but only if written. The agreement should cover: ownership, exclusive use for your products, storage and maintenance responsibility, and transfer rights (you can take the mold elsewhere).
Amortisation deals
Common structure: you pay the mold fee upfront; the factory refunds it after cumulative orders pass a threshold (e.g. 10,000 units). Get the threshold and refund mechanics in writing.
Factory-paid tooling
If the factory funds tooling, expect shared use - they may sell similar products to others. That’s fair, but know it upfront rather than discovering your "exclusive" design elsewhere.
Exit scenario
Write the divorce before the wedding: on termination, molds transfer to you within X days at whose freight cost. This single clause has saved countless brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I own the mold if I paid for it?
You should - but only a written agreement guarantees it, including transfer rights on exit.
Have a cookware project in mind?
We manufacture triply cookware and supply tri-ply circles for OEM, private label and distribution. Tell us your specs - we reply with a quote.