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HR 5525 98th Congress House Commerce Computer industry Computers Copyright Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights Science and technology

Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984

Introduced: April 26, 1984 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 12 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 11, 1984
House Incorporated this Measure in S.1201 as an Amendment.
Jun 11, 1984
Laid on Table in House by Unanimous Consent.
Jun 11, 1984
Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 388 - 0 (Record Vote No: 221).
Jun 11, 1984
Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 388 - 0 (Record Vote No: 221).
Jun 11, 1984
Called up by House Under Suspension of Rules.
May 15, 1984
Placed on Union Calendar No: 454.
May 15, 1984
Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on The Judiciary. Report No: 98-781.
May 1, 1984
Ordered to be Reported.
May 1, 1984
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Apr 26, 1984
For Previous Action See H.R.1028.
Apr 26, 1984
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Apr 26, 1984
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 - Extends copyright protection to original mask works fixed in semiconductor chip products. Defines a mask work as the two- and three-dimensional features of shape, pattern, and configuration of the surface of the layers of a semiconductor chip product which portray the appearance of a product or convey information.

Requires as a condition of protection that: (1) the owner of the mask work be a resident or citizen of the United States or of a country which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date the work is first commercially exploited or registered; (2) the work is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the mask work comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign citizens or residents.

Vests exclusive rights in the mask work in the owner who may transfer, convey, or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict.

Sets the copyright term for mask works at ten years from the date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first.

Sets forth the exclusive rights of the owner of such a copyright, including the rights to: (1) reproduce the mask; (2) import or distribute a semiconductor chip product in which the mask work is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Excludes from the applicability of an owner's exclusive rights a mask work used for educational purposes or an innocent purchaser of a semiconductor chip product.

Protects works registered within two years of the date of their first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of the mask work to place a notice of copyright on such works which includes the words 'mask work' or M in a circle, the year the work was first fixed in a semiconductor chip product, and the name of the owner of the work.

Entitles the owner of a mask work whose protection has been infringed or whose registration of such work has been refused to institute a civil action.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Service to issue regulations for the enforcement of the right to import mask works. Permits the impoundment and seizure of mask works imported in violation of the owner's exclusive rights.

Sets forth remedies for infringement, including temporary and permanent injunctive relief, actual damages, and the award of the infringer's profits to the owner.

Authorizes appropriations.

What's happening now June 11, 1984

House Incorporated this Measure in S.1201 as an Amendment.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1