Does copyright protection exist for mask works (semiconductor chip designs)?
Copyright protection does not exist for mask works, but the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 (SCPA) (17 U.S.C. Chapter 9), provides a similar kind of protection for them. The SCPA protects the 3-dimensional layout of chip layers (mask works) against unauthorized reproduction and distribution, for 10 years if registered.
Does copyright protection exist for mask works (semiconductor chip designs)? Read More »