Integrated Circuit (IC) layout design is theoretically equivalent to computer programmes. Baring a few countries, computer programs are considered as non-patentable subject matter. The same principle was applied in the case of IC, so they were left out of patent protection. Keeping high investment in R&D of IC and possibility of piracy of IC in mind, a new tool was devised exclusively for protecting design, known as topography, of IC. Most of the WTO signatory countries, including India, have law to protect IC layout design protection.