The law defines topography of an integrated circuit as a three-dimensional disposition – however expressed – of certain elements of an integrated circuit( at least one being active) and of all or some interconnections of the integrated circuit or such a three-dimensional disposition prepared for the manufacturing of the integrated circuit.

The law offers protection only to original integrated circuits, and original integrated circuits are considered only those that are the product of an intellectual effort and those that have not been available to the public until the date of their creation.