Basic Guide for Integrated Circuit Topographies
Understand
Integrated circuit topographies are images positioned, built, or encoded in any means or ways that represent the three-dimensional configuration of the layers that compose an integrated circuit. In other words, it is the design of a chip.
Before filing an application, it is worth checking the User Manual.
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Get the documents ready
Before applying for the registration of an Integrated Circuit Topography, generate the images in the format of the designs prepared in software typical of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) of integrated circuits.
The formats established by Normative Instruction No. 109/2019 are GDS/GDS-II (extension .gds) or OASIS (extension .oas), and such files shall be attached to the form at the time of filling it out.
No other file formats shall be accepted.
Pay the GRU
Check the amounts of the fees. Individuals or micro-enterprises, among others, are entitled to a discount.
To request registration, you must register with e-INPI.
Issue and pay the Federal Government Payment Form (GRU), code 670.
Pay the document before filing the application and keep the number, because it will be necessary to begin the application.
Download the Veracity Declaration (DV) as well, and sign it digitally to insert it later in your application.
Initiate application
Only file the application after you have paid the GRU. Access the e-Chip and fill out the online form.
At this moment, you must insert the files regarding the figure of the topography and the digitally signed Veracity Declaration (DV).
Monitor
The application will pass through different stages, which may require the user to send new documents.
In order not to miss the deadlines, it is important to monitor the progress of the application in the following ways:
-See the Revista da Propriedade Industrial (RPI) (INPI’s Gazette), published every Tuesday.
You may have questions throughout the progress of the application. To ask for clarification, you may send a message through the Fale Conosco (Contact us) system, available at INPI’s Portal.
The integrated circuit topography registration is effective for 10 years after the application.