IPR Law -
Intellectual Property Rights

Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design

The layout design of an integrated circuit (IC) is the 3-dimensional disposition of elements and interconnections making up an IC. An IC is an electronic circuit in which the elements of the circuit are integrated into some medium to 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 such as watches, televisions, traffic lights and computers. The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000, along with the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Rules, 2001, provide statutory protection for original layout-designs.

Our Strengths

  • We possess technical knowledge in this field that allows us to understand and handle infringement of registered designs and enforcement of design rights.
  • Our team is capable of managing the registration and protection of layout designs of semiconductor integrated circuits.

Areas of Expertise

IC Layout Filing and prosecution

  • With deep understanding of the value and risks associated, we advise whether the company should go in for registration of the design. Conduct due diligence to understand the value of the registered design with focus on design parameters, competing products, market needs and product pricing.
  • We address filing, licensing and prosecution for the registration of the design.

Enforcement and Advisory/Consultation

  • We provide evaluation and advice on litigation to take the best steps based on a risk versus return analysis. Negotiation and settling of disputes regarding designs such that the clients' commercial interests and reputation in the market are not harmed in any way.
  • We enforce registered design rights legally against infringement. Our team has the experience of actions such as implementing restraining orders, seizures and injunctions to defend our clients' rights.