Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Act 1999 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 2 · Protection of Layout-Designs
7. Duration of protection
Feedback & supportA layout-design ceases to be a protected layout‑design —
layout-design
“layout-design” means the 3-dimensional disposition, however expressed, of the elements of an integrated circuit (at least one of which is an active element), and of some or all of the interconnections of an integrated circuit, or such a 3‑dimensional disposition prepared for an integrated circuit intended for manufacture;
if it is first commercially exploited within 5 calendar years after the calendar year in which it was created, at the end of the 10th calendar year after the calendar year in which it was first commercially exploited;
in any other case, at the end of the period of 15 calendar years after the calendar year in which it was created.