– Integrated Circuits Act (1998-21), in force since February 19, 2001.

Applicant: the creator and his successors in title or his assignee.

Foreigners and nationals not living in the country: must appoint a registered attorney-at-law as his agent.

Duration: ten years from filing or first commercial exploitation.

Extension: not possible.

Examination: no substance examination is conducted.

Priority: according to the Paris Convention.

Assignment: possible; must be in writing and recorded at the Intellectual Property Office.

Use: use by owner’s consent or for instruction or education permitted.

Non-voluntary exploitation: Minister may authorize exploitation by a third party in the national interest, but owner will be remunerated.

Filing requirements for an application (to be sent to resident agent):
1. Power of attorney – no legalization;
2. Assignment – no legalization;
3. 4 copies or drawings of the layout design;
4. A sample of the integrated circuit defining the function;
5. Date and place of first commercial exploitation.