A process used to create a non-smooth, top surface topography, for a semiconductor substrate, needed to improve the adhesion between a protective molding compound, and the underlying top surface of the semiconductor substrate, has been developed. The process features the creation of the non-smooth, top surface topography, including either: recessed, or etched back, copper damascene structures, in an insulator layer; or copper damascene structures, in a recessed, or etched back, insulator layer. The recessing of the copper damascene structures, or of the insulator layer, is accomplished via selective, dry or wet etch procedures. After formation of a gold wire bond, on the top surface of a copper damascene structure, a protective molding compound is applied, to the underlying, non-smooth, top surface topography.