Abstract: An integrated circuit overload protection device is used to protect a bipolar transistor used in the common emitter configuration. The protective device comprises a bipolar transistor of opposite type to the protected amplifying transistor. The protective transistor is connected with its base to the collector of the amplifying transistor and with its collector connected to the terminal of the power supply which is not connected to a terminal of the load resistor of the protected device. The emitter of the protective device is preferably connected to the base of the protected device through a protective resistor. Inputs to the protected transistor are provided at the interconnection of the emitter of the protected device with one terminal of the protective resistor.