
                    Semiconductor Chips and Mask Works

               The "Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984"
          provides a special system of legal protection for original
          mask works used in the production of semiconductor chips.
          It confers the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute
          mask works for a term of 10 years, subject to registration
          by the Copyright Office.

               The Act also created an incentive for other countries
          to provide such protection since its benefits are available
          to any foreign national whose home country's laws extend
          similar protection to U.S. nationals.

               Protection on an interim basis is available to foreign
          nationals whose country undertakes good faith efforts to
          provide protection for mask works of U.S. nationals. The
          Secretary of Commerce, through the Patent and Trademark
          Office, determines which countries are entitled to
          protection under this Act.


