Yes, but this scenario is a bit different. If you ask a connector factory to custom-make you a connector it's common that they are allowed to add it to their catalogue, though you can of course stipulate something else in the contract.
You'll see this in the electronics markets in Shenzhen for example... they still have a lot of the connectors and switches from MP3 players, which I believe was one of the early boom industries in the region.
Did you work in china though? I don't want to make wrong assumptions but I think the intellectual property protections are taken a bit less serious there.
