How are circuit layout rights protected overseas?

There is an international agreement called the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) that is administered by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Countries that are members of WTO have agreed to pass laws in their own countries that will extend to nationals of other WTO countries. Australia is a member of WTO. Australians therefore enjoy the same protection that is given in other countries that are members of WTO.

Just as registration of circuit layouts rights is not required in Australia, registration is not required in countries that are members of WTO.

View a list of member countries of WTO.