What are Topography Rights?
An automatic right protecting against copying of the shape and layout of chip circuitry design. The right applies to semi-conductor products I.e. products with electronic functions containing semi-conducting material, and of fixed functional pattern. This definition applies to all computer chips currently manufactured and is sometimes termed “mask works”.
Key Issues
- Must be original and non commonplace
- There must be a copy of the circuitry layout design written down, which provides proof of date of design.
- Valid for either ten years after first marketed, or 15 years after recording the design.
- Rights are available in the UK, US and Japan
Why have Topography Rights?
- Provides essential protection increasingly valuable and complex chip design.
- Provides automatic protection and no registration or other formalities required.
- Revenue can be generated through sale or license of the design, manufacture and sale of the chip.
- Ensures strong competitive advantage, due to complex nature of topography designs.