Integrated Circuit Topographies: Introduction

• A new kind of intellectual property
• Purpose of this guide
• Canadian Intellectual Property Office
• Other forms of intellectual property
• Visit CIPO's website

A new kind of intellectual property

Integrated circuit topographies are now considered a form of intellectual property. Recognizing the growing impact of integrated circuit technology in virtually all fields of industry, and the need to protect Canadian innovations in this technology both nationally and internationally, Canada has introduced protection for integrated circuit topographies. Topographies are innovative, three-dimensional circuit designs used in many different products. Examples of such products are automobiles, industrial robots, cameras, spacecraft and computers.

On May l, 1993, the Integrated Circuit Topography Act and Regulations came into force. The Act defines the protection available for integrated circuit topographies, the three-dimensional configurations of the materials that form integrated circuits. Protection under this Act is extended to nationals of other countries on a reciprocal basis, thereby making protection in other countries available to Canadians.

Purpose of this guide

In this booklet, we will look at what integrated circuit topographies are, how they can benefit you and how to register them. With a basic knowledge of the process, you can take steps to protect your integrated circuit topographies from copying by others. You may also develop a better understanding of the intellectual property rights of others. This may help you avoid the costly and time-consuming legal battles that could result from infringing those rights.

Keep in mind that this booklet offers general information and does not cover all the complex issues that may arise through the registration process. This guide does not provide authoritative definitions and explanations.

Canadian Intellectual Property Office

The federal agency responsible for integrated circuit topographies in Canada is the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), which is part of Industry Canada — the federal department responsible for industry and science in Canada. CIPO is responsible for other forms of intellectual property as well: patents, trade-marks, copyrights and industrial designs.

Other forms of intellectual property

Along with integrated circuit topographies, intellectual property rights include patents, trade-marks, copyrights and industrial designs. These are all rights that are granted for intellectual creativity. The differences are:

• patents cover new inventions (process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter), or any new and useful improvement of an existing invention;
• copyrights provide protection for artistic, dramatic, musical and literary works (including computer programs), and three other subject-matter known as performances, communication signals and sound recordings;
• trade-marks are words, symbols, designs (or a combination of these), used to distinguish the wares and services of one person or organization from those of others in the marketplace;
• industrial designs are the visual features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament (or any combination of these features), applied to a finished article of manufacture.

Visit CIPO's website

CIPO's website includes useful information about its product lines, services and legislative changes. The five intellectual property guides are available, as are interactive tools that explain intellectual property in an enjoyable way.

A guide to integrated circuit topographies
| Table of contents | Introduction | Integrated circuit topographies | Tariff of fees |
| Appendix A — Instructions for completing an application form |
| Appendix B — Application form |