IC Layouts Overview

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.