Comprehensive Framework for Protecting Intellectual Property in the Semiconductor Industry

Methods and integrated circuit architectures for assuring the protection of intellectual property between third party IP providers, system designers (e.g., SoC designers), fabrication entities, and assembly entities are provided. Novel design flows for the prevention of IP overuse, IP piracy, and IC overproduction are also provided. A comprehensive framework for forward trust between 3PIP vendors, SoC design houses, fabrication entities, and assembly entities can be achieved, and the unwanted modification of IP can be prevented.