What someone else does with your drawings is unfortunately all up to them. What we normally do is only put the basic sizes on the drawing and also a water mark. This way someone cant just take the drawing an duplicate it. In this case the only thing between you and the costumer is trust.

Some of the important precautions that protect interest of the all the parties involved while sharing design data are; - Using secured data transfer channel with access restricted to limited number of users. - Having clear agreement on how the data can be used and not used to protect intellectual propertry - Non disclosure agreement in place - Try sharing Non editable files so the data transferred is not accidentally modified after sharing. - Have clear version control and communication recorded to the relevant version of the data. - Keep track of all the changes made during the project phase.

When sharing CAD files externally, I prioritize security and clarity: 1. Export to neutral formats like STEP/IGES to protect proprietary data while maintaining compatibility. 2. Use watermarks or proprietary design notes within the files to assert ownership. 3. Employ password protection and set file expirations for access control. 4. Share only necessary layers or simplified models, excluding sensitive or unnecessary details. 5. Validate the recipient's software/version compatibility to avoid misinterpretation of data.

Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations, Version Control and Documentation, File Format Compatibility, Protect Intellectual Property (IP), Limit Access and Permissions, Check for Accuracy and Completeness, Ensure Data Security, Provide Clear Instructions, Backup Original Files, and Clarify the Revision Process. Testing file Integrity and preparing for Post-Collaboration Handling is an essential step. By taking these precautions before sharing CAD files, you protect both your intellectual property and the integrity of the design while ensuring smooth collaboration with external parties. Proper preparation and clear communication help reduce errors, maintain security, and streamline the design process.