Integrated circuits, commonly known as “chips” or "microchips", are the electronic circuits in which all the components (transistors, diodes, resistors, and other components) have been assembled in a certain order on the surface of a thin semiconductor material (usually silicon).

In modern technology, integrated circuits are essential elements for a wide range of electrical products, including articles of everyday use, such as watches, television sets, washing machines, and cars, as well as sophisticated computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Developing innovative layout designs of integrated circuits is essential for the production of ever-smaller digital devices with more functions.

While the creation of a new Layout-Design is usually the result of an enormous investment, both in financial terms and in terms of the time required from highly qualified experts, the copying of such a layout-design may cost only a fraction of the original investment. In order to prevent unauthorised copying of layout designs and to provide incentives for investing in this field, the layout design (topography) of integrated circuits is protected under a sui generis intellectual property system.

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