diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index 202596e5c..c72276e92 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -10,3 +10,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 1.40.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 1.41.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 62199c957..a6cf56cbb 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -43,6 +43,19 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - lint
       - clirr
       - cla/google
+  - pattern: 1.41.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - windows
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - clirr
+      - cla/google
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin