Aim:
The aim of the Semi-conductor Integrated Circuits Layout -Design Act, 2000 is to provide protection of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) in the area of Semi-conductor Integrated Circuit Layout-Designs and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

What is meant by Semi-conductor Integrated Circuit:
Semi-conductor Integrated Circuit means a product having transistors and other circuitry elements, which are inseparably formed on a semi-conductor material or an insulating material or inside the semi-conductor material and designed to perform an electronic circuitry function.

What is meant by the Layout-Design of a Semi-conductor Integrated Circuit:
The layout-design of a semi-conductor integrated circuit means a layout of transistor and other circuitry elements and includes lead wires connecting such elements and expressed in any manner in semi-conductor integrated circuits.

What are the criteria for Registration of a Chip Layout-Design:

A layout-design that is
Original,
Not commercially exploited anywhere in India or convention/reciprocal country,
Inherently distinctive,
Inherently capable of being distinguishable from any other registered layout-design.

Who can obtain protection of layout-designs under the SICLD Act, 2000:

Any person(s) who-
Is creator of a layout design and desires to register it;
Is an Indian national or national of country outside India which accords to citizens of India similar privileges as granted to its own citizens in respect of registration and protection of layout-designs; and
Has principal place of business in India or if he does not carry out business in India, has place of service in India.

What is the duration of registration:
A period of 10 years counted from the date of filing an application for registration or from the date of first commercial exploitation anywhere in India or in any convention country or country specified by Government of India whichever is earlier.