IPC-1072 Explained: IP Protection Standard for EMS & Electronic Assembly

When you send your complete product design to a contract manufacturer – the Gerber files, the BOM, the firmware, the test programs – you’re handing over years of R&D investment. How do you know they’ll protect it?

I’ve worked on both sides of this equation. As an engineer at an OEM, I worried about our designs walking out the door. Later, working with EMS providers, I saw how seriously the good ones take IP protection. The challenge was always the same: every customer had different security requirements, different questionnaires, different audit checklists.

That’s exactly why IPC developed IPC-1072. It gives EMS companies and contract manufacturers a standardized framework for protecting customer intellectual property during the assembly process. If you’re an EMS provider looking to formalize your IP protection program, or an OEM evaluating assembly partners, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is IPC-1072?

IPC-1072, officially titled “Intellectual Property Protection in Electronic Assembly Manufacturing,” is an industry standard developed by IPC that establishes requirements and best practices for protecting customer IP at electronics assembly facilities.

The standard was released in December 2015 and developed by the EMS Intellectual Property Subcommittee (E-21) of IPC’s Intellectual Property Standard Committee. An important amendment (IPC-1072-AM1) was released in March 2017 to align the document with its companion standard IPC-1071.

The Purpose of IPC-1072

The standard’s stated purpose is clear: to assist printed circuit board assemblers in developing requirements for protecting intellectual property for their customers across commercial, industrial, military, and high-reliability markets.

IPC-1072 focuses on protecting the inherent IP designed into the printed board as it flows from customer to assembler. This includes design data, bills of materials, firmware, test programs, and manufacturing specifications.

IPC-1072 vs IPC-1071: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common questions I get is about the relationship between IPC-1072 and IPC-1071. They’re companion standards that address IP protection at different stages of the electronics manufacturing supply chain.

Key Differences Between the Standards

When You Need Each Standard

If you’re an OEM, here’s a simple way to think about it:

• IPC-1071 – Your bare board supplier should have this
• IPC-1072 – Your assembly partner should have this
• Both – If your supplier does turnkey PCB fabrication and assembly

Many contract manufacturers now offer turnkey services, handling everything from bare board fabrication through final assembly. These facilities may need compliance with both standards to fully protect customer IP throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Why IP Protection in Assembly is Different

Assembly operations face unique IP protection challenges that go beyond what bare board fabricators deal with. When a PCB fab shop receives your Gerber files, they’re seeing the circuit design. When an assembler receives your complete manufacturing package, they’re seeing your entire product.

Assembly-Specific IP Concerns

Bill of Materials (BOM) Protection

Your BOM reveals your sourcing strategy, approved vendors, and component selection decisions. A competitor with access to your BOM could replicate your product much faster than by reverse engineering. EMS facilities must protect this information with the same rigor as design files.

Firmware and Software Security

Many assembled products require programming during or after assembly. This firmware often contains proprietary algorithms, encryption keys, or product-specific configurations. IPC-1072 addresses how assembly facilities should handle, store, and control access to programming files.

Test Program Confidentiality

Functional test programs reveal exactly how your product works and what parameters matter. In-circuit test (ICT) programs expose the circuit topology. These files need protection throughout the manufacturing process and beyond.

Component Sourcing Intelligence

Where you source components, what alternates you’ve approved, and how much you’re paying – this is competitive intelligence that assembly partners must protect.

Three Levels of IP Protection in IPC-1072

Like its companion standard IPC-1071, IPC-1072 recognizes that different products require different levels of protection. A consumer electronics assembly doesn’t need the same security as a defense system.

Level 1: Basic IP Protection

Level 1 establishes minimum acceptable practices for protecting customer IP in commercial and industrial assembly environments. This is the baseline that any professional EMS company should meet.

Key Level 1 Requirements:

• Basic physical access controls to production areas
• Employee confidentiality agreements
• Standard data handling and storage procedures
• Basic visitor management policies
• Documented corporate IP policy
• Procedures for handling customer-supplied materials

Level 2: Enhanced IP Protection

Level 2 adds significant security measures appropriate for products where IP protection is critical to competitive advantage. Many medical device, automotive, and industrial customers specify Level 2 compliance.

Key Level 2 Requirements:

• Enhanced physical security with access logging
• Segregated data storage systems
• Background checks for employees handling sensitive data
• Formal procedures for firmware/software handling
• Vendor qualification for IP security
• Incident response and reporting procedures
• Enhanced scrap and rework controls

Level 3: Maximum IP Protection

Level 3 represents the highest level of protection, typically required for military, aerospace, and other high-reliability applications. This level often aligns with ITAR requirements.

Key Level 3 Requirements:

• Comprehensive physical security with multiple barriers
• Complete access control with biometric options
• Full background investigations for personnel
• Classified data handling capabilities
• Secure programming stations
• Witnessed destruction of scrap and rework
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Complete chain of custody documentation

Read more IPC Standards:

IPC Standards Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to PCB & Electronics Assembly Standards

IPC 2615 Standard Explained: PCB Dimensioning & Tolerancing Requirements

MIL-STD-2000A: Military Soldering Standards for Electronic Assemblies

MIL-STD-1686: ESD Control Program Requirements for Military Electronics

IPC 1791 Standard: Everything You Need to Know About Trusted PCB Certification

MIL-STD-883: Complete Guide to Microelectronics Test Methods

J-STD-048 Explained: Complete Guide to Product Discontinuance Notifications

MIL-STD-750: Semiconductor Device Test Methods Explained

MIL-STD-454: General Requirements for Military Electronic Equipment

IPC 9194: Complete Guide to SPC for PCB Assembly Manufacturing

MIL-STD-202: Electronic Component Testing Methods & Procedures

IPC 4110: Complete Guide to Cellulose Paper Specs for Printed Circuit Boards

Boundary Scan Testing (JTAG) in PCB Design: A Complete DFT Guide

Axiomtek IPC-950 Review: Specs, Features & Performance [2026 Guide]

MIL-PRF-55681: Military Ceramic Chip Capacitor Specification Guide

Key Security Categories in IPC-1072

The standard organizes IP protection requirements into several major categories. Understanding these helps EMS companies prepare for implementation and helps OEMs evaluate potential partners.

Physical Facility Security

Physical security at an assembly facility has unique considerations compared to a PCB fab shop. Assembly floors typically have more personnel, more movement of materials, and more visitor traffic.

Assembly-Specific Physical Security:

• Controlled access to SMT lines and assembly areas
• Secure storage for customer-supplied components
• Controlled areas for firmware programming stations
• Security for incoming and outgoing materials
• Visitor policies for customer audits and inspections

Information Technology Security

IT security in an assembly environment must address the wider variety of data types and systems involved in the assembly process.

Key IT Security Requirements:

Programming and Test Security

This is where IPC-1072 really differs from IPC-1071. The handling of firmware, software, and test programs presents unique challenges.

Programming Security Requirements:

• Secure storage of programming files
• Access controls on programming stations
• Audit trails for programming operations
• Procedures for firmware version control
• Secure deletion of programming files after production

Test Program Security:

• Protection of ICT and functional test programs
• Security for test fixtures and tooling
• Access controls on test equipment
• Protection of test results and data

Material and Component Handling

Assembly facilities handle customer-supplied components, consigned inventory, and sensitive materials that require special protection.

Material Security Considerations:

• Secure receiving for customer-supplied components
• Controlled storage for sensitive components
• Tracking and chain of custody documentation
• Procedures for excess and obsolete materials
• Return or destruction of unused customer materials

Scrap and Rework Management

Defective assemblies, rework, and scrap contain the same IP as good product. Proper handling is essential.

Scrap/Rework Requirements:

• Identification of IP-sensitive scrap
• Secure storage before destruction
• Documented destruction procedures
• Customer notification and approval processes
• Destruction certificates and records

Implementing IPC-1072 in Your EMS Facility

If you’re an EMS company looking to implement IPC-1072, here’s a practical roadmap based on real-world implementations.

Step 1: Assess Your Current State

Before implementing anything, honestly evaluate where you stand today. Most EMS companies already have informal practices that partially address IP protection. Document what you’re doing now.

Common Gaps in EMS Facilities:

• Lack of formal documented procedures
• Inconsistent access controls across different areas
• No formal firmware/software handling procedures
• Inadequate scrap destruction documentation
• Missing vendor qualification for IP security

Step 2: Define Your Target Level

Not every EMS company needs Level 3 compliance. Consider your customer base and market focus:

• Consumer electronics focus – Level 1 may be sufficient
• Medical/automotive focus – Plan for Level 2
• Defense/aerospace focus – Level 3 is likely required

Step 3: Develop Required Documentation

IPC-1072 requires documented policies and procedures. You’ll need to create or update:

Step 4: Implement Infrastructure

Depending on your target level, you may need infrastructure investments:

• Access control systems for production areas
• Secure storage for sensitive materials
• IT security tools and monitoring
• Secure programming stations
• Destruction equipment for scrap

Step 5: Train Your Team

Security only works when everyone participates. Train all employees on:

• Why IP protection matters
• Their specific responsibilities
• How to identify and report security concerns
• Proper handling of customer materials and data

How OEMs Should Evaluate EMS Partners for IP Security

If you’re an OEM selecting a contract manufacturer, here’s how to evaluate their IP protection capabilities.

Questions to Ask Potential EMS Partners

Red Flags to Watch For

During facility visits, watch for these warning signs:

• Customer BOMs visible on open screens
• Programming files stored on shared network drives without access controls
• No clear separation between different customers’ materials
• Employees unsure about data handling procedures
• Defective assemblies mixed with general scrap
• No visitor badges or escort requirements

Verify Certification Claims

Always verify IPC-1072 certification directly with IPC. Ask for the certification number and confirm it’s current. Certification status can change, so verify before awarding contracts.

IPC-1072 and Defense Manufacturing

For EMS companies serving the defense market, IPC-1072 intersects with U.S. export control regulations.

ITAR and EAR Considerations

Many defense assemblies fall under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) or EAR (Export Administration Regulations). IPC-1072 Level 3 requirements align closely with these regulatory needs, but certification alone doesn’t satisfy ITAR/EAR compliance.

Key Overlapping Requirements:

Defense OEMs should require both IPC-1072 certification and separate ITAR/EAR compliance verification.

Useful Resources for IPC-1072

Official IPC Resources

• IPC-1072 Standard: Available from IPC Shop (shop.ipc.org)
• IPC-1072-AM1 Amendment: Alignment updates with IPC-1071
• IPC Validation Services: Certification audit program

Related Standards

• IPC-1071B: Companion standard for PCB fabrication
• IPC-A-610: Acceptability standard for electronic assemblies
• J-STD-001: Soldering standard often referenced alongside IP standards

Regulatory Resources

• DDTC Registration: For ITAR compliance (pmddtc.state.gov)
• NIST SP 800-171: Cybersecurity framework for defense contractors
• ISO 27001: Information security management standard

Frequently Asked Questions About IPC-1072

What’s the difference between IPC-1072 and IPC-1071?

IPC-1071 covers IP protection in printed board fabrication (bare board manufacturing), while IPC-1072 covers electronic assembly manufacturing. They’re companion standards addressing different stages of the supply chain. If your supplier does both fabrication and assembly, they may need both certifications.

Is IPC-1072 certification required for EMS companies?

IPC-1072 certification is voluntary, not regulatory. However, many OEMs – particularly in defense, medical, and automotive markets – require their assembly partners to be certified or demonstrate equivalent compliance. For military contracts, IPC-1072 Level 3 certification is often specified.

How does IPC-1072 address firmware and software protection?

IPC-1072 includes specific requirements for handling programming files, including secure storage, access controls on programming stations, audit trails for programming operations, and procedures for secure deletion after production. These requirements become more stringent at higher protection levels.

Can overseas EMS companies get IPC-1072 certified?

Yes, IPC-1072 certification is available to EMS companies worldwide. However, for ITAR-controlled defense work, overseas facilities face additional restrictions regardless of certification status. Many OEMs limit defense assembly to domestic certified facilities.

How long does it take to implement IPC-1072?

Implementation timeline varies significantly based on your starting point and target level. A facility with basic security infrastructure might achieve Level 1 compliance in 3-6 months. Level 3 compliance for a facility starting from scratch could take 12-18 months and require significant infrastructure investment.

Building Trust Through Standardized IP Protection

In today’s competitive electronics market, your product design is often your most valuable asset. When you outsource assembly, you’re trusting your contract manufacturer with everything – the design, the BOM, the firmware, the test programs. Everything a competitor would need to copy your product.

IPC-1072 provides the framework for EMS companies to earn that trust through standardized, auditable IP protection practices. For OEMs, it provides a common benchmark for evaluating and comparing potential assembly partners.

The electronics industry has moved beyond handshake agreements and basic NDAs. Customers expect their contract manufacturers to have formal, documented, verifiable IP protection programs. IPC-1072 certification demonstrates that commitment.

Whether you’re an EMS company looking to formalize your IP protection practices or an OEM evaluating assembly partners, IPC-1072 provides the roadmap. The investment in proper security pays dividends in customer confidence, market access, and long-term business relationships.

Start by understanding where you stand today. Identify the gaps. Build your implementation plan. And remember – protecting customer IP isn’t just about passing audits. It’s about building the kind of trust that turns one-time contracts into long-term partnerships.