Treaty on Intellectual Property in Respect of Integrated Circuits

General Information

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What is it about?

State parties to the present Treaty ensure that the topography (layout design) of an integrated circuit is not reproduced, integrated, sold or distributed in their territory without the authorization of the holder of the right. State parties are not required to adopt any specific legislation and the modalities of the implementation of protection tools are left to their discretion. However, State parties are required to provide appropriate remedies where violations have been committed and they have to apply the principle of national treatment, which implies that nationals of other contracting States have to be treated in the same manner as its own nationals. Certain derogations with respect to the protection of integrated circuits are possible when a national vital interest of a State party is at stake.

Why is it relevant?

This treaty reinforces on the international level the protection of intellectual property rights related to integrated circuits. It also contributes to an increase in trade between State parties, as holders of intellectual property rights are more inclined to export their products and licence their technologies in countries where legal protection is ensured.

Additional Information

The Special Union created by this Agreement is composed of an Assembly and the International Bureau of WIPO. Any member State of the World Intellectual Property Organization or of the United Nations or any intergovernmental organization with its own intellectual property legislation related to integrated circuits may become party to the present Treaty.

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