Manufacturing / Product Development Lawyer – Smart Hardware Product (Global Manufacturing)

I am seeking an experienced commercial and manufacturing lawyer to prepare a robust legal agreement structure for a physical consumer hardware product progressing toward engineering, DFM, tooling, pilot build and eventual mass production. A prospective manufacturing partner is currently reviewing a controlled technical package and is expected to return a proposed development route, quotation, timeline and production path. Before any paid engineering, design-for-manufacture work, supplier release, tooling, pilot build or manufacturing activity begins, I need the correct legal framework prepared. This is not a generic NDA or basic supplier-contract assignment. I need a lawyer who understands international product development, manufacturer leverage, intellectual-property ownership, tooling control, production continuity and exit rights. The project may involve manufacturing and supply-chain activity across multiple jurisdictions. It includes mechanical product design, electronics, embedded/software elements, production tooling, packaging and quality-control requirements. Further technical and commercial detail will be provided only after shortlisting and under appropriate confidentiality. Scope Required 1. Master Manufacturing / Supply Agreement A strong agreement governing the future manufacturer relationship, including manufacturing, supply, quality, inspection, acceptance, delays, defects, warranties, compliance, confidentiality, payment milestones, termination, audit rights, handover and post-termination protections. 2. Product Development / Engineering Statement of Work For the pre-production work stage, including CAD review, DFM, productionisation, engineering changes, demonstrator/proof-unit development, prototype approval path, supplier review, test planning, validation, pilot build and defined deliverables. 3. Tooling / Mold / Fixture Ownership Agreement or Schedule Covering all client-funded tooling and production assets, including molds, dies, jigs, fixtures, test fixtures, assembly fixtures and associated manufacturing assets. 4. IP, Deliverable and Output Ownership The client must own or control all product-specific outputs funded by it, including: * CAD edits and revised design files * Engineering and manufacturing files * BOM and supplier outputs * Drawings, specifications and process documentation * Test plans, inspection criteria and quality documentation * Product-specific improvements and derivative developments * Tooling, molds, fixtures, jigs, dies and production assets * Handover materials required to transfer production if necessary The manufacturer must receive only a limited right to use client materials for approved work. They must not be able to manufacture, commercialise, copy, transfer, withhold, disclose or create derivative products outside the agreed scope. 5. Commercial and Continuity Protection The documents must prevent a manufacturer from gaining leverage after engineering or tooling investment. I need practical protection around source files, supplier information, tooling possession, continuity of supply, exit/handover, confidentiality, non-use, non-circumvention where appropriate, and transfer of production. Ideal Applicant * Proven experience drafting manufacturing, supply-chain, product-development and tooling agreements * Experience with hardware, consumer products, electronics, tooling or international manufacturing * Understands DFM, EVT/DVT/PVT, prototype approval, pilot builds and production ramp-up * Comfortable with cross-border manufacturing structures * Able to work from a commercially practical, founder-protective perspective rather than provide a generic template * Excellent written English and clear communication Please Include in Your Proposal 1. Relevant examples of comparable manufacturing or product-development legal work 2. Your recommended document structure for this situation 3. Whether you recommend one master agreement with schedules or separate manufacturing, development and tooling documents 4. Your fixed-price quote for the initial drafting stage 5. Estimated turnaround time 6. Your jurisdiction and experience with cross-border manufacturing arrangements An existing NDA, prior agreement, technical context and manufacturer proposal will be shared only with shortlisted candidates. This may become an ongoing engagement as the manufacturing proposal is reviewed and final development, tooling and supply terms are negotiated.