diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index a2f4b464a..ad8215e93 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -10,3 +10,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-yoshi
     branch: java7
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 1.2.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 1dea670f9..555659fb5 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -42,6 +42,19 @@ branchProtectionRules:
     requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
     requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
     requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
+  - pattern: 1.2.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - cla/google
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
 permissionRules:
   - team: Googlers
     permission: pull