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We are entering an era in which reusable intellectual property
(IP) is rapidly becoming essential to the design of advanced
semiconductors. This presents opportunities as well as challenges
to IP developers, semiconductor designers, and foundries.
Among the most basic issues is the security of IP - how its
integrity and its content can be preserved and protected throughout
a complex process that begins from an idea to the finished
product.
This document represents our formal commitment
to IP protection. Our policies on how IP is handled by UMC
employees and how we audit compliance with these policies
are described in detail. We will gladly respond to any of
your questions regarding these policies and are eager to hear
your suggestions on how they can be improved.
However, we all know that policies, procedures,
and contracts are little more than words unless they are based
on an underlying philosophy of trust and respect. That is
why I am also sharing with you the three principles upon which
from which our IP policies are based upon:
| Integrity
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We insist
on honesty with our customers and ourselves. |
| Partnership - |
Long-term partnerships
provide the greatest success and can only exist in an
atmosphere of respect and mutual support. |
| Commitment - |
UMC is committed to the
success of our partners; only when that is achieved can
we, too, achieve our goals. |
These are high-sounding principles. Cynics
would say they are out of place in the business world. We
disagree. We believe our philosophy not only helps our customers
and us prosper today, but will also ensure that we meet our
long-term goals for success.
Please keep our standards in mind as you
read our IP
protection policy (PDF
format). We hope that both the underlying principles and the
detailed procedures described demonstrate our commitment to
the security of your valuable IP.
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