Circuit layout rights automatically protect original layout designs for integrated circuits and computer chips under the Circuit Layouts Act 1989. There is no requirement for the granting of rights to the owner of a layout design.

The owner of an original circuit layout has exclusive right to:

• copy the layout in a material form
• make integrated circuits from the layout
• exploit it commercially in Australia.

The Attorney-General's Department administers the legislation for automatic rights to circuit layout rights.