Chinese supplier won't release tooling or files
Gather the contract, payment records and promised deliverables, then request a specific handover with evidence of location and condition. Approach any UK contracting provider and assess replacement in parallel. Do not assume payment alone makes overseas recovery practical. Cambridge China Bridge can help investigate factory access with its own staff in China.
Build a record of what was actually agreed
Preserve quotations, purchase orders, accepted terms, invoices, payment confirmations, development briefs, drawing revisions and messages about ownership or release. Make an asset register linking each mould, fixture and file package to its description, identifier, payment and promised delivery. Keep original messages and attachments, including the supplier's refusal and stated reason.
Separate tooling ownership, permission to use designs and delivery of editable files in your review. A development charge or approved sample may leave the handover scope unclear. Our IP and tooling guide covers prevention; use the existing agreement to identify what you can now request.
Define the missing file package
List the editable drawings, artwork, BOM, software source and production settings you expected, with the agreed revision and format. Ask which items exist, who holds them and what has already been supplied. A preview or flattened export may help inspection while leaving a replacement factory unable to make changes. See factory file ownership and handover.
For a UK copyright transfer, GOV.UK says you need a written agreement signed by the copyright owner confirming the transfer. Keep that record separate from the file delivery schedule. Ask your adviser to assess the relevant agreement rather than treating this UK rule as an overseas recovery route.
Request a verifiable handover
Send a written request naming the assets, recipient, collection arrangements and proposed response date. Ask the supplier to explain any claimed unpaid balance, storage charge or other obstacle and identify the supporting agreement. Request confirmation that the assets will be preserved while the issue is reviewed. Avoid agreeing to a new payment without a documented release plan.
For tooling, request its actual storage address, custodian, identifying photographs, condition and any subcontractor involvement. Agree access, inspection, dismantling, packing and collection responsibilities before booking transport. For files, arrange a secure transfer and have your technical team check that the package opens, is editable and contains the agreed dependencies before acknowledging complete handover.
Approach the UK provider you contracted with
Check the named contracting entity and whether the UK provider agreed to supply the tooling or files, manage development, or introduce the factory. Send it the evidence pack and identify the promised deliverables still missing. Ask for its written position, the action it proposes and a named contact. Use agent or seller: who you contract with to frame that review.
Ask for a practical proposal covering factory contact, access checks, handover or replacement. Record ongoing losses and mitigation decisions without assuming every cost will be recoverable. If the response leaves the dispute unresolved, ask a solicitor to review the parties, agreement, desired outcome and realistic recovery options before escalating.
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Prepare replacement alongside release discussions
Ask a candidate factory to assess whether the existing tooling would fit its equipment and what drawings, settings and samples it would need. Compare transfer with rebuilding from a brief reviewed by your technical team and adviser. Include trial production, validation, disruption and ongoing maintenance in the comparison. Follow second supplier qualification before approving repeat production.
Treat payment evidence as part of the record, not a guarantee of overseas recovery. Ask your adviser to assess the practical route to the outcome you need before spending further on a dispute. Cambridge China Bridge can help check location, access and replacement possibilities through its own staff in China; agree the scope and report anything that remains unverified.
Frequently asked questions
I paid for the mould. What should I ask for now?
Gather the ownership and release terms, then request the mould's location, identifier, condition and custodian. Ask for a written collection plan and the supplier's specific reason for refusing.
Does a drawing export count as editable files?
Check the agreed format and scope. Have your technical team test whether the files open, can be changed and contain the dependencies needed for production. A viewable export may leave those needs unmet.
Should I complain to my UK sourcing provider?
Yes, if you contracted with it. Send the agreement and missing-deliverables list, then ask it to explain its agreed role and propose a documented handover or replacement plan.
Should I pay again to get my tooling released?
Ask for the basis of the charge and a documented release plan before deciding. Compare the proposal with replacement and obtain advice where ownership, payment or release remains disputed.