ABSTRACT. This paper discusses the major trends in scholarship about the development of semiconductor production capabilities, the rapid growth of the Chinese semiconductor market, the dynamics of semiconductor manufacturing, and the rapidly growing market for semiconductors. The mainstay of the paper is formed by an analysis of the strategic importance of knowledge assets and the intensive R&D activities in the semiconductor industry, important features of the contract semi- conductor wafer manufacturing industry, and the changing U.S. patent landscape and its implications for patent enforcement within the semiconductor industry. pp. 58–63

Keywords: topography, semiconductor production ecosystem, legal protection