SICLD Act
The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design (SICLD) Act, 2000, establishes a sui generis legal regime for the protection of SIC layout designs in line with TRIPS obligations, and the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Registry (SICLDR) was established for the registration of original intellectual property in Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design under the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act (SICLDA) 2000.
Objectives
Protecting the intellectual property of semiconductor integrated circuits and matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
The legal framework of the SICLD Act encompasses the registration procedure (including publication, maintenance of the register, and opposition), the rights and remedies relating to infringement, along with assignment and transmission of layout designs, and provisions concerning offences, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms. Create awareness for the protection of the intellectual property of semiconductor integrated circuit layout designs.
Functions
Protection of original layout designs of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits as per the provisions of the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act 2000. Promote the protection of the intellectual property of semiconductor integrated circuit layout designs.
The SICLD Registry functions as the statutory authority responsible for administering the registration and regulation of semiconductor integrated circuit layout designs under the SICLD Act and Rules.
It receives and examines applications, conducts formal scrutiny, facilitates publication, manages opposition proceedings, and maintains the Register of Layout-Designs and Layout-Design Agents.
The Registry also records assignments, transmissions, and other interests in registered layout-designs, issues certified copies and extracts, and ensures compliance with procedural and statutory requirements, thereby facilitating the effective implementation and enforcement of the legal framework governing layout-design protection.
Vision
To provide a robust, transparent, and technology-driven framework for the protection of semiconductor layout designs as a credible, transparent, and technology-enabled national registry that safeguards semiconductor layout design innovation and supports India's aspiration to emerge as a global leader in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
To align intellectual property protection with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering innovation-led growth and strategic technological sovereignty in the semiconductor sector to support India's strategic objective of emerging as a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation through a robust and reliable intellectual property framework that promotes technological self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.
Mission
To implement the provisions of the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000, in an efficient, transparent, and time-bound manner.
● To provide effective legal protection for semiconductor layout designs in support of the India Semiconductor Mission.
● To promote innovation and confidence among designers, startups, research institutions, and industry through predictable and accessible registration processes.
● To facilitate ease of doing business in semiconductor design through digital and user-orientated registry services.
● To contribute to national innovation and manufacturing objectives by strengthening the intellectual property foundation of India's semiconductor ecosystem.
