Patent ID: 8689151

Claim:
A computer implemented method for improving printability of a design of an integrated circuit (IC) using pitch-aware coloring for multi-patterning lithography (MPL), the method comprising: identifying, in a layout of the IC corresponding to the design, a first shape in a first pair of shapes and a second shape in the first pair of shapes that are apart by a first distance, the first distance being at least equal to a minimum distance requirement of a lithography system, the first distance forming a forbidden distance; determining that the first shape in the first pair of shapes and the second shape in the first pair of shapes are colored using a first color; changing, using a processor and a memory, the first shape in the first pair of shapes to a second color, such that even though the first distance is at least equal to the minimum distance requirement of the lithography system, the first shape in the first pair of shapes and the second shape in the first pair of shapes are placed on different masks to print the design, thereby improving the printability of the design.