Semiconductors definition
What does Semiconductors mean?
Computer chips consist of microscopic patterns etched onto a circuit which is then placed between two or more semiconducting layers. They do not qualify for copyright, patent or design right.
The semiconductor topography right is an additional right to unregistered design law, intended to protect the electronic circuit board and the arrangement of semiconductors.
Semiconductor topography right derives from EU legislation which was implemented in the UK by the Design Right (Semiconductor Topographies) Regulations 1989, SI 1989/1100 (subsequently amended by a number of statutory instruments). It grants an exclusive monopoly right for ten years from the end of the year during which the product first came to market. The right allows the rights holder to authorise or refuse sale or import of a copied topography. Following Brexit, marketing that takes place in the EU is no longer sufficient to qualify for protection in the UK.