United States · Bill · S
S. 1201 (98th)
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984
Introduced
4 May 1983
Last action
—
Status
House Incorporated H.R.5525 in This Measure as an Amendment.
Sponsors
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Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
10 August 2026
Summary
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1983 - Extends copyright protection to mask works. Defines a mask work as a series of related images: (1) having the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern of metallic, insulating, or semiconductor material present or removed from the layers of a semiconductor chip product; and (2) in which the relation of the images to one another is that each image has the pattern of the surface of one form of the chip product. Excludes masks and mask works from the pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works categories. Sets forth the exclusive rights the owner of copyright holds, including the right to: (1) embody the mask work in a mask, a two- dimensional partially transparent and opaque sheet; (2) distribute a mask embodying the mask work; (3) reproduce such work on material intended to be part of the semiconductor chip product; and (4) manufacture and distribute semiconductor chip products incorporating such masks. Sets forth limitations on such exclusive rights, including compulsory licensing, as specified. Sets the copyright term for masks at ten years from first authorized distribution, use, or manufacture. Excludes an innocent purchaser in good faith of a semiconductor chip product from infringement liability. Permits the impoundment and seizure of masks made or used in violation of the copyright owner's exclusive rights.
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Timeline
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Votes
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Versions
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Documents
4 official files
Passed House amended
summary · EN · 11 June 1984
Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 16 May 1984
Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 2 May 1984
Introduced in Senate
summary · EN · 4 May 1983
Sponsors
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Related records
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Sources
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- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1201
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/98/s/1201