How much funding can be received?

Eligible projects for this grant include the creation, development, and registration of integrated circuit topographies (ICT) to protect original designs and provide exclusive rights against reproduction and commercial exploitation by others.

Creation and development of innovative three-dimensional circuit designs.
Preparation and submission of ICT application forms to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
Compilation and submission of overlay sheets, drawings, or photographs depicting the ICT.
Marking integrated circuit products with corresponding registered titles.
Registration of ICT within two years of the first commercial exploitation.
Ensuring compliance with the conditions of the Integrated Circuit Topography Act.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$5,000

Design and registration of cutting-edge ICT for autonomous vehicle systems

$3,600

Creation and registration of ICT for next-gen gaming consoles

$3,500

Development and registration of an innovative ICT for wearable health monitors

$2,500

Development and registration of ICT for smart home security systems

$3,000

Creation and registration of ICT for renewable energy management systems

$4,200

Development and registration of ICT for advanced medical imaging equipment

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for the registration of an integrated circuit topography, certain criteria must be met.

The creator of the topography must be a national of Canada, a national of a country recognized by Canada by convention or treaty that affords protection for topographies, or a national of a country certified by notice published in the Canada Gazette.
The creator must have, at the time of creation or at the time of filing, a real and effective establishment for the creation of topographies or the manufacture of integrated circuit products in Canada or a country that is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or has a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
The topography must be first commercially exploited in Canada, and the application must be filed within two years thereafter.
The topography must not exceed the two-year limit for applying if it has been commercially exploited.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Integrated Circuit Topography Act in Canada provides protection for the original designs of integrated circuit topographies. For companies to be eligible for registering their ICT, they must meet specific conditions related to the nationality of the creator, the location of commercial exploitation, and compliance with WTO member status or reciprocal agreements.

Companies in which the creator is a national of Canada
Companies where the creator is a national of a country that has a convention or treaty with Canada for the protection of topographies
Companies where the creator is a national of a country certified by the Minister of Industry Canada by a notice published in the Canada Gazette
Companies where the creator has a real and effective establishment for the creation of topographies or the manufacture of integrated circuit products in Canada
Companies where the topography was first commercially exploited in Canada
Companies where the creator is a national of a country that is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Companies where the creator is a national of a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Canada

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant:

Registration fees for the Integrated Circuit Topography
Legal fees related to the registration process
Costs associated with preparing and filing the application form

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible geographic zones for this grant are Canada and countries that either have a reciprocal agreement with Canada, are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), or are recognized by Canada through convention or treaty.

Canada
Countries with reciprocal agreements with Canada
WTO member countries
Countries recognized by Canada through convention or treaty

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Consult the Guide to Integrated Circuit Topographies to learn about the registration process.
Step 2: Contact the Client Service Centre of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to obtain a copy of the ICT application form.
Step 3: Complete the application form with the following information:
Applicant’s name and address
Title(s) of the topography
Description of the nature or function of the topography
Indication of the applicant’s interest as either the creator or successor in title
Information on commercial exploitation, if applicable
Details of the material filed and other relevant information about the topography
Agent’s name and address, if applicable
Representative for service in Canada, if the applicant does not have a Canadian address
Signature and date from either the applicant or the applicant’s agent
Step 4: Submit the completed application form along with the required materials such as overlay sheets, drawings, or photographs of the topography.
Step 5: Ensure the application is filed within two years of the first commercial exploitation of the topography, if it has been commercially exploited.
Step 6: Pay the filing fee of $200 (Canadian funds).

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant provides protection for integrated circuit topographies while ensuring the owner exclusive rights to control reproduction, manufacturing, and commercial exploitation of their topographies. The registration process involves submitting an application with specific details, and fees are associated with various services relating to the registration.

Registration of an ICT grants exclusive legal rights.
Consult the Guide to Integrated Circuit Topographies for the registration process.
Contact the Client Service Centre for an application form.
Search and research Integrated Circuit Topography via service representatives.
Resources include fees, forms, publications, legislation, and practice notices.
Visit CIPO’s Web site for more information: http://cipo.gc.ca.
Contact the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for more details via email: cipo.contact@ic.gc.ca.
Protection term is up to ten years from the filing date or first commercial exploitation, whichever is earlier.
Fees are applicable for application filing and other changes affecting the topography registration.

grant_single_labels|documents

Integrated Circuit Topographies

grant_single_labels|contact

cipo.contact@ic.gc.ca

819-997-1936

Apply to this program

Why Register Your Integrated Circuit Topography (ICT)?

Registration of your Integrated Circuit Topography (ICT) grants you exclusive legal rights, enabling you to exclude others from reproducing your design or manufacturing products that use your topography, thus protecting your innovation and potentially generating revenue.

A Comprehensive Guide to Registering Integrated Circuit Topographies in Canada

Integrated circuit topographies (ICTs) are a vital component of modern technology, hidden within everything from household appliances to advanced spacecraft. Recognizing the critical importance of these three-dimensional circuit designs, Canada offers robust protection under the Integrated Circuit Topography Act, ensuring that designers and innovators can safeguard their intellectual property effectively.

Understanding Integrated Circuit Topographies

Integrated circuits are the backbone of contemporary electronic devices. They consist of complex layers of semiconductors, metals, insulators, and other materials, forming the intricate structures referred to as topographies. These topographies are pivotal for the functioning of integrated circuit products, commonly known as microchips. The Integrated Circuit Topography Act specifically addresses the protection of these three-dimensional configurations, prohibiting unauthorized copying of registered designs, thereby encouraging innovation and investment in this high-tech field.

Why Register Your Integrated Circuit Topography?

Registration provides several crucial benefits:

Exclusive Rights: By registering your topography, you obtain exclusive legal rights to control the reproduction, manufacturing, importation, and commercial exploitation of your design.
Legal Protection: Registration helps prevent unauthorized use and copying of your topography, significantly reducing the risk of intellectual property theft.
Commercial Advantage: Holding exclusive rights can give you a competitive edge in the market, allowing you to license your design, generate revenue, and protect your market share.
International Protection: Canada’s reciprocal agreements with numerous countries help ensure your topography is protected globally, provided it meets international requirements.

The Registration Process

The process to register your integrated circuit topography involves several essential steps:

Consult the Guide to Integrated Circuit Topographies: Before initiating the registration process, it's imperative to review the official guide provided by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). This document offers detailed information on the process, fees, and required documents.
Prepare Your Application: Obtain the ICT application form from CIPO’s Client Service Centre. Complete this form with all necessary details, including the title of the topography, its nature or function, the date and place of first commercial exploitation, and a description of the topography.
Submit the Required Materials: Alongside the application form, submit a complete set of overlay sheets, drawings, or photographs that clearly depict your topography. It's crucial to include all layers of the design, although certain confidential information can be omitted upon request.
Pay the Fees: A registration fee of $200 is required upon submitting your application. Additional fees may apply for amendments or certifications.
Registration Confirmation: Once submitted, the Registrar of Topographies will review your application to ensure all requirements are met. Upon approval, your topography will be officially registered, granting you exclusive rights for up to ten years.

Important Considerations

Several key aspects must be kept in mind while navigating the registration process:

Originality: Your topography must be original and derived from your intellectual efforts, not merely a reproduction of an existing design.
Nationality Requirements: The creator must be a national of Canada or a country that has reciprocal agreements with Canada, or the topography must be first commercially exploited in Canada.
Timeline: If your topography has been commercially exploited before, the application for registration must be filed within two years of its first commercial use.
Confidential Information: While submitting design data, it’s possible to block out parts that contain sensitive information, provided that other specified layers or products are deposited for verification.

Potential Remedies for Infringement

In case of any infringement upon your registered topography, the Integrated Circuit Topography Act provides a range of remedies, including:

Injunctions: Legal orders to halt the unauthorized use or distribution of your topography.
Damages: Compensation for losses incurred due to the infringement, including potential punitive damages.
Limited Liability for Innocent Infringers: In scenarios where infringers were unaware of the infringement and had no reasonable grounds to believe so, their liability may be limited to the payment of reasonable royalties.
Customs Interventions: The court may order the Canadian Customs to confiscate infringing products entering the country and arrange for their disposal according to legal stipulations.

Conclusion

Registering your integrated circuit topography under the Canadian Integrated Circuit Topography Act is a strategic move to protect your inventive designs against unauthorized use. By securing these exclusive rights, you not only safeguard your intellectual property but also position yourself advantageously in the competitive technology market. For more detailed information and guidance, consulting the official documents from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and seeking professional advice can ensure a smooth and effective registration process. Embrace the power of legal protection today to foster innovation and secure your competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.