4. C.J.S. Copyrights and Intellectual Property §§ 11–12, 16, 92, 101.]
semiconductor chip protection act
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act. Intellectual property. A 1984 statute protecting manufacturers against the unauthorized copying or use of semiconductor chips and the mask works used to manufacture them. • Semiconductor chips do not qualify for patent protection since technological advancements are small and usu. obvious. Mask works are multilayered, three-dimensional templates used to produce semiconductor chips. Mask-work design is more functional than expressive, and so traditional copyright protection was inapplicable until 1984. The Act provides copyright protection to the mask works for ten years. 17 USCA §§ 901–914. — Abbr. SCPA. [Cases: Copyrights and Intellectual Property 10.
