Integrated Circuit Typography

The Integrated Circuit Topography Act and Regulations are designed to protect the original design of an integrated circuit topography. A topography is the design of interconnections and elements for making an integrated circuit product, or the elements and interconnections for the making of a combination layer or layers to be added to an integrated circuit product. An integrated circuit product is a product composed of elements and interconnectors integrally formed in or on a piece of material that is intended to perform an electronic function (such as a semi-conductor chip). A topography is considered to be original if it is developed through the application of intellectual effort and is not a mere reproduction of all, or a substantial part, of another topography. Registration extends to the layout design of the topography or the layout design incorporated in an integrated circuit product.