Layout designs of an integrated
circuit (IC) is the 3-dimensional disposition of the elements and
interconnections making up an IC. IC is an electronic circuit in which the
elements of the circuit are integrated into some medium and function as a unit.
The medium used is a solid semiconductor, usually silicon. The manufacturing
technology allows the circuit to be integrated into a piece of silicon which is
small and thin, like a wafer. Such a piece of silicon is called a "silicon
chip". The terms "semiconductor" and "silicon chip"
have been used synonymously with "integrated circuit" as all
commercial integrated circuits presently available are fabricated from semiconductors,
usually silicon. Integrated circuits are utilized in many products from watches
to televisions to traffic lights and of course computers.
The Layout-designs of Integrated
Circuits Act 1998 provides statutory protection for original layout-designs
that are created after the commencement of the Act (i.e. 15 February 1999).
A layout-design is original if it
is the result of its creator's own intellectual effort and is not commonplace
among creators of layout-designs and manufacturers of integrated circuits at
the time of its creation.
If a layout-design qualifies for
protection under the Act, it is protected automatically as there is no
requirement for registration or deposit of the layout-design. The duration of
protection is either 10 years after the first commercial exploitation, if the
exploitation takes place within 5 years after the year it is created or in any
other case, 15 years after the year it is created.