Legal protection for semiconductor intellectual property (IP)

Considering the value of semiconductor IP (intellectual property), a fundamental knowledge of legal protection for IP is an essential requirement for both IP providers and IP users. Since IPs are recognized as one of the intangible assets, the present intellectual property systems, such as patent, copyright, trade secret, and mask work protection systems should provide certain legal protection by their own aspects. This article describes how to protect IP effectively by each present intellectual property system and contributes to realizing the smooth IP trade based on suitable legal protection.