Circuit Layouts & IC Layout Protection
WHAT IS PROTECTEDOriginal circuit layouts. A circuit layout is the plan which shows the location and interconnection of the components of an integrated circuit.
OBTAINING PROTECTION
By creation of the layout. There is no registration procedure.
WHO GAINS PROTECTION
The circuit layout designer or the employer, or an assignee of either.
LENGTH OF PROTECTION
10 years from the first commercial exploitation, provided this occurs within 10 years from the creation of the layout design; or 10 years from the year in which it was made.
PROTECTION CONFERRED
The right to prevent others in Australia copying the layout, making an integrated circuit in accordance with the layout and exploiting the layout commercially.