[jannw]

Smart companies operating in CN seeking to minimise IP theft tend to "Own" the mold, and carefully manage its use and production - to ensure that there are e.g. no 3rd shift production "overruns". Producing the mold separately from the factory which uses it is not unknown, as is having a western employee tallying what comes off the production line. Molds at the end of their useful life (either because the item is no longer in production, or the mold is worn out) should be physically destroyed, and that destruction verified (angle grinder cutting it up is not uncommon - with a western staffperson overseeing that destruction.).