Sui generis
Sui generis (; ) is a Latin phrase that means "of its (his, her, their) own kind; in a class by itself; unique."
Integrated circuit layout design protection
The exclusive rights in a mask work are somewhat like those of copyright: the right to reproduce the mask work or (initially) distribute an IC made using the mask work. Like the first sale doctrine, a lawful owner of an authorized IC containing a mask work may freely import, distribute or use, but not reproduce the chip (or the mask). Mask work protection is characterized as a "sui generis" right, i.e., one created to protect specific rights where other (more general) laws were inadequate or inappropriate.