Protecting Intellectual Property through CAD Model Simplification: Complete Guide

In today's manufacturing industry, protecting technical data represents a major strategic challenge. CAD models contain the intellectual DNA of industrial companies: design methods, technical know-how, and proprietary innovations. Each uncontrolled sharing of these models represents a potential risk of exposing intellectual property valued at several million euros. Facing this challenge, one approach is emerging as an effective solution: CAD simplification.

Simplification of 3D models allows sharing only strictly necessary information while masking sensitive design elements. This method, unlike traditional approaches based solely on confidentiality agreements, offers concrete technical protection against reverse engineering and unauthorized exploitation of designs.

Table of contents

• Risks associated with sharing complete CAD models
• Understanding CAD simplification as a protection solution
• Effective simplification techniques to protect IP
• Practical use cases of simplification for IP protection
• CADfix PPS: professional simplification solution
• Key features of CADfix PPS 5.1
• Extended compatibility with CAD formats
• Operation modes adapted to needs
• Technical and economic benefits
• Legal and practical considerations
• Implementation of an IP protection strategy

Risks associated with sharing complete CAD models

Sharing technical data with partners, suppliers, or customers is inevitable in the industrial development cycle. However, this necessity comes with significant risks to the company's intellectual property.

A detailed CAD model contains all the technical characteristics of the product: precise dimensions, tolerances, design methods, and innovative technical solutions. These elements constitute the core of a company's added value and often represent years of R&D and investment.

• Exposure of proprietary design methods that reveal specific know-how
• Facilitation of reverse engineering allowing competitors to reproduce products
• Loss of control over subsequent distribution of data by third parties
• Vulnerability of sensitive information during international exchanges

Unlike textual documents that can be partially masked, a complete 3D CAD model invariably reveals all design details. Once shared, it becomes practically impossible to limit its exploitation or distribution.

Understanding CAD simplification as a protection solution

CAD simplification constitutes a preventive approach that acts directly on the content of models before their distribution. It is based on a fundamental principle: sharing only the information strictly necessary for the intended context of use.

Unlike simple format conversion that preserves all geometric data, simplification performs a selective reduction of information based on precise criteria defined by the company. It allows maintaining the functional integrity of the model while removing sensitive design details.

This approach presents several major advantages for intellectual property protection:

• Upstream prevention of sensitive information leakage risks
• Granular control of the level of detail shared according to the recipient
• Significant reduction in the value of data for potential competitors
• Maintenance of model functionality for legitimate needs

Effective simplification techniques to protect IP

CAD simplification relies on several complementary techniques that allow precisely adapting the level of detail to specific sharing needs. These methods can be applied individually or combined to obtain the optimal level of protection.

Removal of non-visible elements

This technique consists of eliminating internal components that are not visible from the outside but often contain critical information about the product's operation. Internal mechanisms, structural reinforcements, or innovative technical solutions can thus be preserved from distribution.

Removal of non-essential small details

Small geometric features such as fillets, chamfers, secondary drilling, or machining details often represent important technical know-how. Their removal allows preserving the general shape while masking these sensitive aspects of the design.

Simplification of complex shapes

Complex surfaces can be replaced by simpler approximations that preserve the general form but eliminate precise geometric characteristics. This approach is particularly effective for masking aerodynamic or structural optimization efforts.

Preservation of critical components for integration

To allow functional use of the simplified model, certain elements must be preserved with precision: connection interfaces, anchor points, overall dimensions. Intelligent simplification preserves these elements while reducing the rest of the model.

Practical use cases of simplification for IP protection

CAD simplification for IP protection applies to many industrial contexts where sharing technical data is necessary but presents risks to intellectual property.

Collaboration with suppliers and subcontractors

During manufacturing outsourcing, suppliers need geometric information to produce parts, but do not necessarily need to know all design details. A simplified model containing only the characteristics necessary for manufacturing limits exposure of know-how.

Technical exchanges between entities of an international group

In multinational companies, protecting technical data can be critical during exchanges with subsidiaries located in countries where legal protection of intellectual property is less assured. Simplification allows precise control of the level of information shared.

Product catalogs and technical documentation

Models used in digital catalogs or technical documentation can be simplified to offer a faithful visual representation without revealing sensitive design details, while considerably reducing the volume of data.

Tender submissions

When responding to tenders, it is often necessary to provide preliminary 3D models. Simplification allows demonstrating concepts while protecting innovative aspects before signing a definitive contract.

CADfix PPS: professional simplification solution

Facing the challenges of intellectual property protection through CAD simplification, CADfix PPS positions itself as a complete professional solution developed by ITI, a company specializing in CAD interoperability for over 25 years.

CADfix PPS is part of a software suite comprising three complementary modules:

• CADfix DX: dedicated to CAD model repair
• CADfix PPS: specialized in CAD simplification for IP protection
• CADfix VIZ: optimized for visualization-oriented simplification and virtual reality

This solution has been specifically designed to meet the needs of industries regarding the protection of technical data during exchanges with external partners or between entities of the same group.

Key features of CADfix PPS 5.1

The latest version of CADfix PPS (5.1, released in March 2025) brings significant improvements to simplification capabilities for intellectual property protection.

Intelligent auto-simplification

The core of CADfix PPS relies on its auto-simplification algorithms that automatically process complex models according to predefined parameters. This functionality has been considerably improved in version 5.1, particularly for the simplification of complex bodies.

Improved connector retention

The latest version offers better connector retention, allowing more efficient simplification of bodies containing flanges, blanks, and nozzles. This improvement allows obtaining much higher complexity reduction rates (up to 84% compared to 41% in the previous version for certain models) while preserving critical interfaces.

Preservation of closed shells

A new option now guarantees that simplified models maintain closed shells, which is essential for certain applications such as additive manufacturing or numerical analysis. This feature automatically adjusts the simplification level to avoid creating open shells.

Simplification of small features

The detection and processing algorithm for small features has been perfected, allowing better identification and simplification of non-essential details while preserving the overall integrity of the model.

Advanced control options

CADfix PPS 5.1 offers precise control over different aspects of simplification:

• Parametric removal of small bodies (adjustable threshold)
• Configurable removal of holes (according to their diameter)
• Elimination of non-essential protrusions
• Removal of internal elements
• Specialized tools (cylinder, revolution, etc.) now accessible directly from the model tree

Extended compatibility with CAD formats

CADfix PPS 5.1 distinguishes itself by its wide compatibility with native and neutral CAD formats, making it a particularly suitable solution for heterogeneous industrial environments.

Support for native CAD formats

The latest version supports the most recent versions of major CAD software:

New supported formats

CADfix PPS 5.1 integrates support for several new formats, expanding its field of application:

• Revit: import/export (.rvt, .rfa)
• NavisWorks: import (.nwd, .nwc)
• SmartPlant 3D: specialized export
• MicroStation: import/export (.dgn)
• IFC: improved import/export (.ifc)

Neutral formats

The solution also supports the main neutral exchange formats:

• STEP (AP203, AP214, AP242)
• IGES (versions 1.0 to 5.3)
• ACIS (R1 to 2024 1.0)
• Parasolid (versions 9 to 37.0)
• JTOpen (versions 6.4 to 11.3)

Operation modes adapted to needs

CADfix PPS offers two main operation modes, allowing adaptation to different usage contexts and user expertise levels.

CADfix PPS Batch: automated batch processing

The Batch mode is designed for automated processing of large quantities of files. It allows:

• Selection of individual files or entire directories
• Application of predefined simplification configurations
• Automatic processing without manual intervention
• Optional use of filters to target specific component types

This mode is particularly suitable for companies that regularly need to simplify large volumes of data for recurring exchanges with partners.

CADfix PPS Expert Mode: precise manual control

The Expert mode offers full access to all individual simplification tools, allowing:

• Precise control over every aspect of simplification
• Application of specific tools on selected parts of the model
• Use of the model tree to directly access simplification tools
• Detailed statistics on model complexity before and after simplification
• Display of hidden entities thanks to a new interface tool

This mode is ideal for complex models requiring a personalized approach or for users wanting maximum control over the simplification process.

Technical and economic benefits

Using CADfix PPS for intellectual property protection generates concrete benefits both technically and economically.

Technical benefits

• Significant reduction in data volume (up to 90% in some cases)
• Maintenance of geometric precision for critical interfaces
• Effective protection of sensitive design elements
• Improved performance for model visualization and manipulation
• Preserved compatibility with downstream processes

Economic benefits

• Reduced risks of counterfeiting and unfair competition
• Protection of competitive advantage related to technical know-how
• Savings on data storage and transfer costs
• Improved team productivity thanks to lighter models
• Return on investment generally achieved in less than a year

According to the data provided, investment in CADfix PPS (between €13,500 and €21,000 depending on the license type) can be quickly recouped through savings and protection of the company's intellectual capital.

Legal and practical considerations

Implementing an IP protection strategy through CAD simplification must fit within a coherent legal and organizational framework.

Legal aspects

CAD simplification does not replace traditional legal protections but effectively complements them:

• Confidentiality agreements (NDAs) remain necessary to define the conditions of use for simplified models
• Contracts with partners must clearly specify the limitations of use for provided models
• Traceability of simplified versions must be maintained for evidentiary reasons in case of dispute

Process documentation

To ensure consistency and traceability, it is recommended to:

• Systematically document the simplification parameters used
• Establish a clear matrix of simplification levels according to recipients
• Preserve original and simplified models with their metadata
• Implement a versioning system to track the evolution of simplified models

Implementation of an IP protection strategy

Implementing an effective intellectual property protection strategy through CAD simplification requires a structured approach.

Assessment of specific needs

The first step consists of precisely analyzing the company's needs:

• Identification of critical design elements to protect
• Mapping of technical data exchanges with external parties
• Classification of partners according to their level of trust
• Determination of minimum technical requirements for each type of exchange

Definition of simplification levels

Based on this assessment, it is recommended to establish several standardized levels of simplification:

• Low level: preservation of most details, suitable for trusted partners
• Medium level: removal of non-essential details, suitable for suppliers and subcontractors
• High level: preservation only of interfaces and overall dimensions, suitable for preliminary commercial exchanges

Integration into existing PLM processes

For maximum effectiveness, CAD simplification should be integrated into PLM processes:

• Incorporation of the simplification step into validation workflows
• Automation of simplification processes for recurring exchanges
• Implementation of systematic checks before any external sharing
• Training teams on best practices for IP protection

Free evaluation of CADfix PPS

To test the effectiveness of this approach, CADfix PPS offers a 30-day free evaluation period including:

• Access to all software features
• Tutorials and application examples
• Regular technical support
• Possibility to test with real company cases

Conclusion

The protection of intellectual property in the technical domain constitutes a major strategic issue for industrial companies. CAD simplification stands as a proactive and effective approach to secure technical data exchanges while maintaining necessary collaboration with external partners.

CADfix PPS 5.1 represents an advanced technical solution that precisely addresses this need, offering powerful and flexible tools to exactly control the level of shared information. Its broad format support and intelligent simplification capabilities make it a tool suitable for all industrial environments, regardless of their complexity.

Beyond the technical tool, it is the implementation of a global intellectual property protection strategy that will allow companies to preserve their competitive advantage in an increasingly interconnected and globalized industrial environment.