Semiconductors and electronics design in Bangalore.
A large part of India’s chip-design talent works in Bangalore, in design centres and in start-ups building their own silicon. Government programmes to grow semiconductor design and manufacturing have raised the stakes for getting the paperwork right.
What founders usually ask us
Can we use a third-party IP block in a product we sell? Who owns the design our contractor wrote? What happens to our exclusivity if the foundry changes terms? Can a customer keep the design files?
What the law looks at
Three layers. First, the licences for the IP blocks, tools and libraries you build on, which often limit use, sublicensing and transfer. Second, ownership of the design itself, including contributions from employees and consultants. India also has a dedicated law, the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, for protecting chip layout designs, alongside copyright and patents for other parts of the work. Third, the contracts with foundries, assembly and test partners and customers, including confidentiality and liability.
How we help
We review the IP licences you rely on, draft the assignment and confidentiality paperwork for your design team, and negotiate design-services, foundry-facing and customer agreements. For registrations see our patent registration service and our guide on design patents versus copyright.
What to bring to the first call
Your IP licence agreements, contractor and employee IP terms, any foundry or partner term sheets, and a list of what you plan to sell and to whom.
Export-control and customs questions that arise on cross-border chip supply are outside what we advise on. We tell you when to bring in a trade specialist.